The Malian army has announced it successfully repelled a jihadist attack in the northern Gao region on Sunday. The assault adds to ongoing security concerns in the Sahel, where extremist groups continue to pose a threat.

Responsibility for the attack was later claimed by the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), an al-Qaeda-affiliated coalition active in the region. No details were released on casualties or damage.

The military praised its forces for their swift response, saying operations to secure the area are ongoing. Gao remains a strategic hotspot in Mali’s counterterrorism efforts.

This latest incident highlights the fragile security situation as the government and its allies work to contain jihadist insurgencies across northern Mali.