Militant Group Declares 'Total Siege' on Bamako

The al-Qaeda-linked militant group JNIM has declared a "total siege" on Mali's capital, Bamako, escalating violence in the conflict-ridden Sahel region. The announcement, made via a statement on Sunday, warns of increased attacks targeting the city's perimeter and supply routes. This marks a significant shift in tactics, as Bamako had previously been relatively insulated from the decade-long insurgency that has ravaged northern and central Mali. The Malian government, which has struggled to contain the jihadist threat despite military support from Russia and other allies, has yet to officially respond. The declaration follows a series of deadly assaults near the capital in recent months, raising fears of a wider urban offensive.