Kwala attack

The attack began early on the morning of February 28 with a suicide bomber in a car exploding at the entrance to the Malian base.^[3] Over a hundred jihadists raided the base after the bombing, seizing the camp and overrunning the Malian forces stationed there.^[3] JNIM looted weapons, ammunition, and equipment, destroying what they couldn't take away.^[3] Malian forces regained control of the base after the jihadists had abandoned it.^[3]

Malian officials confirmed the attack in a press release that same day, and stated that Malian forces set out in pursuit of the jihadists and that JNIM bases were located and destroyed near Fallou.^[3] AFP stated that due to the remoteness of the area around Kwala, details by JNIM and Malian officials were difficult to independently corroborate.^[3]

The suicide vehicle bombing utilized by JNIM in the attack was the first of its kind in the country since July 2022.^[2] The attack as a whole was a continuation of JNIM's campaign to expand influence in Koulikoro Region and break down Malian presence on National Road 4.^[2]

The Malian army did not report any casualties from the attack, with AFP noting that Malian officials no longer report casualties in attacks any more.^[3] RFI, citing local medical and civilian sources, stated that between thirty and thirty-two Malian soldiers were killed. Several dozen soldiers were wounded or missing as well.^[4] JNIM corroborated these numbers, stating that over thirty Malian soldiers were killed. On March 4, JNIM released images of two Malian prisoners of war.^[5]