The Al-Qaeda-linked Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) has claimed responsibility for a deadly attack on a Malian military position in Dioura, Mopti Region, on September 10, 2026.
In a statement cited in reports, the militant group claimed that 150 soldiers were killed and 93 others captured during the assault on the Forces Armées Maliennes (FAMa) position.
JNIM also claimed that its fighters destroyed 15 military vehicles and more than 100 motorcycles during the attack. According to the group, six military vehicles and 10 motorcycles were seized, alongside RPG launchers, mortars, recoilless rifles, firearms and large quantities of ammunition.
The Malian military confirmed that its position in Dioura came under attack and said it launched a counter-operation in response. The army later reported that several dozen terrorists had been neutralised and that a number of vehicles and motorcycles were destroyed during the operation.
However, the casualty figures announced by JNIM have not been independently verified. Earlier reporting also indicated that the militant group claimed to have briefly taken control of the military camp before withdrawing.
If confirmed, the figures claimed by JNIM would represent a significant loss for the Malian military. Independent accounts, however, have reported lower casualty estimates, leaving the precise toll from the confrontation uncertain.
The incident comes amid continued attacks by JNIM against Malian security forces, particularly in central Mali, where the group has intensified its activities and sought to disrupt military operations and movements.
