Clashes at Inabelbel took place on June 22, 2018, between French and Malian forces against Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin.

Inabelbel clashes
Part of Mali War
DateJune 22, 2018
Location
Inabelbel forest, Tombouctou Region, Mali
Result Franco-Malian victory
Belligerents
Mali
France
Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin
Strength
Unknown ~20[1]
Casualties and losses
None 15 killed or captured

Prelude

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Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin is a coalition of five jihadist groups that initially rebelled against the Malian government in 2012, before amalgamating in 2017 to form JNIM. Throughout 2018, the group spread in southern Tombouctou Region and northern Mopti Region. At the time of the attack in Inabelbel, French and Malian troops were carrying out an operation called "Bani Fonda" in the gourma region of Mali.[2]

Clashes

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French and Malian forces were ambushed by JNIM fighters on June 22 while on patrol in the forest near Inabelbel.[3] The jihadists then attacked a group of Malian commandos in the forest.[3] In response, French forces from Operation Barkhane deployed air support and reinforcement.[4] Afterwards, the French general staff reported 15 jihadists were neutralized.[3] Two pick-ups, six motorcycles, and some weaponry was seized.[5]

References

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  1. ^ https://www.voaafrique.com/a/une-quinzaine-de-terroristes-neutralis%C3%A9s-au-mali/4459834.html [bare URL]
  2. ^ Lagneau, Laurent (2018-06-29). "Barkhane : 15 jihadistes mis hors de combat lors d'une opération franco-malienne". Zone Militaire (in French). Retrieved 2023-10-19.
  3. ^ a b c "Une quinzaine de terroristes neutralisés au Mali". VOA (in French). 2018-06-29. Retrieved 2023-10-19.
  4. ^ "Mali: une quinzaine de membres d'un GAT tués ou capturés le 22 juin". lignesdedefense.blogs.ouest-france.fr (in French). Retrieved 2023-10-19.
  5. ^ à 23h02, Par Le Parisien avec AFP Le 29 juin 2018 (2018-06-29). "Mali : accrochage avec des soldats français et maliens, une quinzaine de «terroristes» neutralisés". leparisien.fr (in French). Retrieved 2023-10-19.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)