Large-scale clashes have been taking place over the past two days between #JNIM and #ISSahel in the #Gourma region of eastern #Mali, particularly around #Tessit, near the border with #BurkinaFaso.

According to reports, JNIM has launched a major military mobilization against IS-Sahel. Reinforcements have reportedly been deployed from #Kidal to the battlefield. Two senior IS-Sahel commanders have also reportedly been killed in the fighting. However, both groups have largely restricted the release of information, leaving the scale of casualties and the situation on the ground unclear.

The most significant development is the possibility of a shift in JNIM’s military strategy toward IS-Sahel. Since last year, JNIM has largely avoided large-scale confrontations with IS-Sahel. However, following a series of recent defeats, JNIM’s leadership may have decided to launch a direct and full-scale military campaign against the group.

The deployment of reinforcements from Kidal and the scale of the fighting suggest that JNIM is committing significant military resources to this confrontation. With clashes potentially continuing in the coming days, these developments could mark a new phase in the rivalry between the two groups across the #Sahel.

— A. Hüseyin Mazı (@ahuseyinmazi) October 12, 2026