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The Trump administration is considering military action in Mali against JNIM, an al-Qaeda-linked terrorist group, according to The Washington Post. If approved, Mali would become the eighth country targeted by U.S. strikes since President Trump took office for his second term.
Senior administration officials remain divided over whether to launch military action against the terrorist group.
Citing current and former officials who spoke on condition of anonymity, the Post reported that Sebastian Gorka, senior director for counterterrorism on the National Security Council, is strongly advocating for force.
The discussions represent the first known consideration of military options in Mali, though no final decision has been made.
When asked for comment by the Post, an administration official did not confirm or deny whether the U.S. intends to authorize strikes, but said the U.S. has been urging governments in North and West Africa "to purchase U.S. equipment and services to support their war efforts against the terrorists."
The official described terrorism in the Sahel as a "multinational problem," saying, "We urge regional partners and NATO allies to support the Alliance of Sahel states in their war against JNIM and Daesh."
The official placed blame for the deteriorating security situation on Russia rather than Mali's government, saying Moscow "has proven to be an ineffective security partner for Mali," adding, "We hope that other African nations take note of Russia's terrible performance in combating terrorism."
The State Department said the U.S. "unequivocally condemns the terrorist activity in Mali" and is "committed to promoting regional ownership and cooperation against terrorist threats, and monitoring indicators and warnings of threats to our homeland."
The State Department sidestepped a question on whether Secretary of State Marco Rubio supports military action in Mali, according to the Post.
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The Alliance of Sahel States comprises Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—West African nations where military leaders ousted democratically elected governments in recent coups, largely severed ties with Western partners, and turned to Russia for security assistance, according to the Post.
JNIM has established a stronghold in Mali and expanded its attacks into coastal West Africa, becoming what the Post describes as the region's most well-armed terrorist group and one of the most powerful globally. The U.S. State Department designated JNIM as a foreign terrorist organization in 2018.
Last year, JNIM imposed a fuel blockade that paralyzed much of Mali. Earlier this year, the group launched coordinated nationwide attacks: militants roamed the streets of the capital, Bamako, seized a strategic northern city from Malian forces and their Russian partners, and killed the country's defense minister in a suicide bombing.
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