The Malian government has dismissed reports suggesting American military involvement in the fight against the jihadist group JNIM, labeling the claims untrue.
Speaking at a news conference in Bamako on Thursday, Mali’s Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop addressed media reports claiming the Trump administration is contemplating military intervention within the country.
A report published Wednesday by The Washington Post, which cited current and former U.S. officials, indicated that the administration is considering potential military operations targeting JNIM, an affiliate of Al-Qaeda operating in Mali.
JNIM is an Islamist armed group connected to Al-Qaeda that active mainly in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, as well as other parts of West Africa.
The U.S. government has officially designated its leader, Iyad Ag Ghali, as a terrorist.
Diop clarified that Mali only learned about the potential U.S. military intervention through media coverage.
“We have no confirmation and no official statement from the United States or U.S. officials on this matter,” he said.
“I can assure you that Mali is not sitting idly by, waiting for others to come and solve our problem.”
