| 2025 Timbuktu attack | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part of Mali War | |||||||
| |||||||
| Belligerents | |||||||
 Malian Army  Wagner Group |  Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin | ||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| 30-60+ killed | 6-14 killed | ||||||
| 1 person lynched | |||||||
On June 2, 2025, jihadists from Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wal-Muslimin attacked various military sites in Timbuktu, Mali, killing several dozen Malian soldiers but ultimately failing to seize any sites long-term.
Since the spring of 2025, JNIM has intensified their attacks on Malian forces, leading to a string of deadly attacks. [1] A week prior to the attack in Timbuktu, JNIM killed forty Malian soldiers in Dioura, and several military bases across the border in Burkina Faso were attacked by the militant group. [1] Less than a day before the Timbuktu attack, the Malian military base in Boulikessi was overrun. [2]
At around 10am on June 2, several sites in the city of Timbuktu were attacked by JNIM. [3] The Timbuktu Airport, which hosts a major Malian and Wagner Group military base, was a primary target of the attacks. [4] A suicide bomber drove a car bomb near the entrance, with its explosion allowing JNIM militants to enter the airport. [4] The Russian base was hit by artillery fire, but no casualties were reported. [4] Three explosions near checkpoints to the north and east of the city in Assadi, Ber, and Arwen were caused by JNIM attacks, with the group seizing two checkpoints. [3] Images of slain soldiers' IDs and weapons were posted onto social media. [5]
After the attack, the Malian government congratulated itself on having "thwarted an infiltration attempt" on the camp, while JNIM claimed to have carried out a suicide operation. [3]
The Malian army stated that fourteen jihadists were killed or injured, and 31 more were arrested. [6] According to Sahel expert Wassim Nasr, six jihadists were killed. [5] Images of the jihadists' bodies and captured vehicles were broadcast on Malian television. [3] One person was also lynched by residents of the city. [7] JNIM claimed responsibility for the attack and stated that dozens of Malian soldiers were killed or wounded. [3] Neither group mentioned their own losses. [3]
AFP reported that at least 30 Malian soldiers were killed and several more were missing following the attack, with a local elected official saying at least 60 were killed. [6]