Mali: Capture of a senior terrorist leader by the Malian army
In a significant raid, the Malian army announced on Saturday the arrest of two terrorists, including Mahamad Ould Erkehile, aka Abou Rakia or Abou Hach, a key leader of the jihadist group Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (EIGS). The operation, conducted in the northern part of the country, also resulted in the neutralization of several enemy fighters.
According to an official statement, Abou Hach was a strategic figure within the EIGS, known for his role in atrocities committed in the regions of Ménaka and Gao. He is particularly accused of coordinating deadly attacks against civilian populations and the Malian Armed Forces (FAMa). His capture represents a major success in the fight against terrorism in this part of the Sahel.
The country’s authorities hailed this operation as an important step toward securing the national territory and protecting local populations. This development comes at a time when the Malian state, supported by its armed forces, is intensifying efforts to eradicate terrorist groups active in the country.
This arrest marks a potential turning point in the fight against the EIGS, which remains a major threat to regional stability. The Malian army reaffirms its determination to track down those responsible for violence and ensure security across the entire national territory.
