Bamako: An al-Qaeda linked group has claimed responsibility for a significant attack on the Malian town of Boulikessi, which included the seizure of an army base. More than 30 soldiers were reportedly killed in the attack that took place on Sunday. However, these figures have not been officially confirmed by the authorities.

According to BBC, the group, Jamaa Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM), also claimed responsibility for targeting the military in the historic city of Timbuktu on Monday. Residents reported hearing gunfire and explosions throughout the city. JNIM issued a statement noting that many soldiers fought until their last breath to defend the Malian nation. A local source quoted by Reuters mentioned that JNIM left many casualties and effectively "cleared the camp."

Unverified video footage showed dozens of militants storming the base, with some clips capturing them stepping over bodies. JNIM stated that their fighters attacked a military airport and Russian mercenaries during Monday's assault. Military and security sources informed AFP that they were actively "fighting back," but noted that the militants were prevalent throughout the city. A local official reported that the attackers had detonated a vehicle packed with explosives near the army camp.

Timbuktu, recognized as a UN World Heritage Site, has a history of being captured by Islamist militants in 2012 before they were driven out. However, the city has been under siege again in recent years. These recent attacks highlight the deteriorating security situation in Mali and the broader Sahel region.

The violence comes on the heels of a warning from the United States Africa Command regarding the efforts of Islamist militant groups in the Sahel to access West Africa's coastline. During a press conference on Friday, Gen Michael Langley, the commander of United States Africa Command (Africom), expressed concern over recent attacks in Nigeria, the Sahel, and the Lake Chad Basin. He warned that if these groups gain access to the coast, it would significantly enhance their capabilities for smuggling and arms trafficking.

Reports indicate that more than 400 soldiers have been killed by militants since the beginning of last month in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, according to Reuters.