Mali/FAMa : Another Victory for the Malian Armed Forces (FAMa) in the Kidal Region, Northern Mali
The Malian Armed Forces (FAMa) have once again successfully gained control of a locality in the Kidal region, following the city of Kidal. This time, it is the town of Aguelhok, located approximately 150 kilometers north of the city of Kidal, near the Algerian border.
Indeed, after the occupation of the city of Kidal by the Malian Armed Forces on November 14, the army’s advance continued in the region. On Monday, December 18, 2023, the General Staff of the Armed Forces announced in a statement the progress of the FAMa towards the town of Aguelhok.
Then on Wednesday, December 20, another statement from the Army announced the complete takeover of the city by the FAMa. “The Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces informs the national and international opinion that the FAMa have taken up positions in the city of Aguelhok without major incidents…” stated the press release.
The Chief of the General Staff also reiterated his encouragement to the valiant forces engaged in the field and praised their determination in carrying out their missions. As a reminder, the city of Aguelhok is the locality where the war between the Azawad movements and the government army began in Mali.
With an area of 22.000 km2 and an estimated population of around 11.000 inhabitants (95% Tuaregs), according to national statistics from 2009, this city in the far north of Mali remained under the control of terrorist groups for more than a decade. Like the cities of Kidal and Aguelhok, the Malian army is expected to occupy all bases liberated by MINUSMA by December 31.
