Mali: October 2016 Violence Related to AQIM, Ansar al-Din, MUJWA, and Islamic State Branch in the Sahel

There were at least 16 casualties and 21 injuries in violent attacks related to VEOs in Mali in October 2016.
Out of 18 attacks MINUSMA forces were targeted 5 times, Malian Army 8 times, Barkhane forces 3 times, 1 civilian vehicle [ambulance at Malian Army checkpoint], and 1 attack rockets were fired on the city of Gao.
At least 18 attacks related to VEOs operating in Mali in October 2016. Ansar al-Din officially claimed 7 out of the 18 attacks through its media arm al-Rimah, AQIM claimed 1 attack, and 10 attacks were unclaimed.
Ansar al-Din remains the main threat to French, Malian, and MINUSMA forces. Ansar al-Din threat is high and most likely to continue in Kidal Region and in Mopti Region through Macina brigade.
- At least 11 Malian security forces members killed and at least 8 injured.
- 2 MINUSMA peacekeepers killed and at least 7 injured.
- 6 French soldiers injured and 3 civilians killed.
Number of attacks per region:
- Kidal Region: 5
- Timbuktu Region: 6
- Gao Region: 4
- Central Mali: 3
October 2016 witnessed worrying development, MUJWA splinter that pledged allegiance to so-called Islamic State in May 2015 claimed two attacks through Mauritania’s news outlet al-Akhbar.info. Attacks claimed took place in Niger and Burkina Faso.
Niger and Burkina Faso borders area with Mali witnessed at least 4 violent attacks related to VEOs.