On September 17, 2024, the Islamist militia Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM), an offshoot of Al-Qaeda, attacked Mali's Bamako airport and set fire to the presidential plane, a Boeing 737-700 (BBJ). The incident once again raises questions about the safety of Malian aviation and the stability of the government.
In a video released by the militia, fighters can be seen setting fire to one of the CFM56 engines of the plane, registered TZ-PRM. The plane was in Bamako at the time of the attack and it remains unclear whether it suffered serious damage. According to the JNIM, several military aircraft at the airport were also damaged, underscoring the vulnerability of the country's military infrastructure.
Although JNIM did not directly attack any civilian facilities, the attack led to the immediate suspension of commercial flight operations at Bamako airport. However, on September 18, civilian air traffic resumed, according to ADS-B data from Flightradar24, suggesting that the situation, while tense, is not completely out of control.
Background of the JNIM
Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen has been active since 2017 and has made a name for itself in the Sahel region. The group has repeatedly carried out attacks on military and civilian targets, often using guerrilla tactics to pursue its political and religious goals. The recent attack on Bamako airport is part of a larger strategy to destabilize the Malian government and its international backers.
The Malian government acquired the Boeing 737-700 in 2015. With a fleet age of 25,1 years, it is one of the few large aircraft operated by the Malian government, alongside a much older Boeing 727-200. The attacks on aircraft may be aimed at reducing the Malian government's mobility and responsiveness.
Reactions and consequences
The attack has raised concerns in Mali and beyond. Security experts warn that such attacks could give JNIM greater influence. In addition, the incident could further destabilize the already tense security situation in Mali and hamper international aid efforts. Restoring security at airports and across the region is now considered a priority.
The Malian government is under pressure to put in place adequate security measures to prevent future attacks. Support from international partners, including France and the United Nations, is seen as crucial to countering the militant threat.
The JNIM attack on Bamako airport and the destruction of the presidential plane are an alarming sign of the ongoing security problems in Mali. It remains to be seen how the government and international partners will respond to this challenge and what measures will be taken to ensure stability in the country.
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