A plane used for humanitarian missions by the World Food Program (WFP) was damaged during an Islamist militant attack in Mali’s capital, Bamako, the South African aviation company that owns the aircraft reported late Wednesday.
National Airways Corporation (NAC) stated that the plane “came under terrorist attack” on Tuesday while grounded in Bamako. The company confirmed that all crew and staff were unharmed and relocated to a secure location.
Djaounsede Madjiangar, a WFP spokesperson, said the aircraft was used to “transport aid workers and provide emergency humanitarian aid in remote areas of Mali.” He noted that while it wasn’t the only plane used by WFP in Mali, its damage “reduces our humanitarian response capacity to give to civilians, given that we have several destination points.”
The incident occurred during a broader attack by Islamic militants on a military training camp and the airport in Bamako on Tuesday. Malian troops subdued the attackers after an exchange of gunfire that resulted in soldier casualties, according to authorities. An al-Qaida-linked group, JNIM, has claimed responsibility for the assault.
A security official, speaking anonymously, told The Associated Press that at least 15 suspects were arrested following the attack. JNIM posted videos on its website, Azallaq, showing fighters setting a plane on fire and claimed to have inflicted “major human and material losses.”
NAC expressed dismay that their “assets are damaged and destroyed in a fellow African country whilst performing humanitarian work in support of the citizens of Mali, under the auspices, approval, markings and the flag of the World Food Program (WFP).”
This attack highlights the ongoing security challenges in Mali, which, along with neighboring Burkina Faso and Niger, has been battling an Islamist insurgency for over a decade. Recent military coups in these nations have led to the expulsion of French forces and increased reliance on Russian mercenary units for security assistance.
While attacks in Bamako are rare, this incident underscores the persistent threat posed by militant groups in the region and the potential impact on humanitarian operations.
