Armed Groups Launch Coordinated Attacks on Industrial Facilities in Western Mali

Several industrial facilities in western Mali’s Bafoulabé district were targeted over the weekend in coordinated attacks by heavily armed assailants, causing extensive material damage and the reported abduction of three workers, according to company officials.

Ibrahima Diawara, Chief Executive Officer of Diamond Cement, told Anadolu Agency that his factory was among at least three sites attacked.

He said two other industrial facilities were also hit but declined to provide further details on the condition or whereabouts of the abducted employees.

Security sources and witnesses said the attackers, estimated at around 160 men travelling on roughly 100 motorcycles, struck multiple locations simultaneously along the National Route RN22.

Targeted sites reportedly included Diamond Cement in Gangontéri, the Carrière et Chaux du Mali (CCIM) facility in Karaga, and a stone-processing plant in the area.

Residents reported seeing armed groups in Selinkégny at dawn before they dispersed toward their respective targets. Industrial machinery and a company bus were set on fire, sending thick plumes of smoke into the sky that were visible from several kilometres away.

No fatalities or injuries have been officially confirmed.

The attacks come amid heightened security concerns in the region. Earlier this month, residents in Diallané and Saourané raised security alerts, prompting several companies to evacuate staff and management to the regional capital, Kayes.

In response to the latest incident, military authorities announced the temporary suspension of river crossings in the affected area, citing security considerations.