Mali army, Wagner reverse JNIM gains in south

The Malian army, with support from the Wagner Group, has managed to reverse recent territorial gains by the Al-Qaeda-linked Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) in southern Mali. While JNIM fighters had temporarily captured positions, seizing weapons and ammunition depots and inflicting casualties, they were unable to hold the territory due to logistical difficulties. In contrast, the Tuareg separatist Forces for the Liberation of Azawad (FLA) has recaptured towns with a Tuareg majority and has better supply lines, potentially allowing it to push the front line back toward Niger. Despite this tactical reversal, jihadist influence continues to spread across the country as the armed forces struggle to maintain control.