The Malian Armed Forces (FAMa) reported Sunday that a high-profile jihadist figure had been neutralized in a targeted drone strike conducted on June 3 near Mougnan, approximately 40 kilometers from Djenné in central Mali.

Identified by the aliases Oumar Kéréna, Farouk, and Housseini Mawdo, the individual was described as a former member of the Movement for Oneness and Jihad in West Africa who had risen through the ranks to become a prominent operational leader within regional jihadist networks.

Central figure in jihadist networks

According to military sources, the commander had previously held leadership roles in the Serma area before expanding his influence into the Sikasso and Koutiala regions, as well as parts of neighboring Burkina Faso. His responsibilities included coordinating activities for the JNIM, the dominant jihadist coalition in the Sahel and an affiliate of Al-Qaeda.

Government intensifies security measures

The announcement coincides with a bold new initiative by Malian authorities. On June 4, the government announced a financial reward system offering up to two billion West African CFA francs for information leading to the capture or elimination of several armed group leaders, with the highest bounty targeting Iyad Ag Ghali, the country’s most-wanted figure.

This military operation underscores Bamako’s commitment to tightening its security grip amid escalating armed attacks and persistent insecurity across multiple regions in Mali and the broader Sahel.