This footage, provided by Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) is a compilation of videos showing the weapons in the JNIM arsenal as well as their use in recent attacks against the military forces in Mali. Because some kills are shown at close-range, viewer's discretion is advised.

Effectively an Al Qaeda franchise, JNIM operates in the Sahel region, under the auspices of their parent organization, Algeria's Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM). Armed with an array of post-Soviet weaponry that is largely typical of the region, from AK rifles to Toyota technicals, they pursue a campaign of undermining the Malian government through guerilla and economic warfare. They seek to create power vacuum, then unite all of the area tribes and ethnicities under one Islamic State banner.

JNIM's growing influence and success in combat operations come in the wake of France's withdrawal from the region, having ended Operation Barkhane in mid-2022 after 10 years. France's complete withdrawal has left the Malian military to pick up the slack, advised by Wagner mercenaries from Russia. This video suggests mixed results.

Niger recently demanded all American troops withdraw from their country, in a similar circumstance. There, too, Russian troops are filling the void and augmenting Nigerian troops. It's not a far leap of logic to expect a similar resurgence of terrorist activity.

About the Author

Cole Simms

Cole Simms is an Air Guardsman, NASA enthusiast, police officer, and security contractor with particular experience in austere environments. Outside of work, he volunteers as a Stop The Bleed instructor for area schools. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and blends his knowledge and experience to write analysis for Funker530.

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