JNIM attack repelled, 20+ militants killed: Mali media

Local journalists and junta-aligned Malian media claim that a JNIM (Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin) attack has been repelled, with over 20 JNIM gunmen killed and several detained. However, the same sources also confirm earlier reports that the battle lasted several hours and caused severe casualties on both sides. The conflicting details suggest heavy fighting despite the government's claim of a successful defense. No independent verification of the casualty figures is available.