WASHINGTON, D.C. - The administration of United States President Donald Trump is reportedly considering military strikes against Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an al-Qaeda-linked militant group operating in Mali, according to U.S. officials cited by The Washington Post.
If approved, Mali would become the eighth country where President Trump has authorised military strikes since returning to office. However, the proposal remains under internal review, with senior U.S. officials reportedly divided over whether military intervention is the most appropriate response.
Supporters of the proposal argue that JNIM has significantly expanded its influence across Mali and the wider Sahel region, carrying out increasingly sophisticated attacks and posing a growing security threat.
Opponents, however, have cautioned that another military campaign could further destabilise the region and risk drawing the United States into a prolonged conflict.
The debate comes as Mali continues to battle escalating violence from Islamist militant groups despite support from Russian-backed security forces. JNIM has been blamed for a series of major attacks that have further destabilised the country in recent months.
Mali's government has acknowledged reports that Washington is considering military options but has maintained that any foreign partnership must respect the country's sovereignty.
No final decision has been announced by the White House.
Source: Zambia Reports