Mali militant group denies death of key leader after reported airstrike

In a firm rebuttal, close associates of the Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM) have categorically denied claims that Sidna Ag Hita, a top deputy to Iyad Ag Gali, was killed in an overnight air raid targeting a rebel camp in central Mali.

The assertion emerged after the African Legion claimed responsibility for the strike in the Diabali area, suggesting Ag Hita was present at the site during the operation. However, JNIM-linked sources have dismissed the reports as baseless, stating that Ag Hita remains unharmed and active within the group’s ranks.

According to the African Legion’s statement, the attack—conducted on the night of May 27—involved both aerial bombardment and rocket fire targeting a rural encampment reportedly used by the militant faction. The operation was reportedly justified by intelligence indicating Ag Hita’s presence at the location at the time of the strike.

The denial underscores a pattern of conflicting narratives surrounding high-profile military engagements in Mali, where militant groups frequently challenge official claims about leadership losses. While the African Legion’s announcement sparked immediate speculation, JNIM’s refusal to acknowledge any casualties reinforces its resilience in the face of sustained counterterrorism efforts.