There has been a marked increase in jihadist attacks on Malian soldiers and army locations after the recent release of over 200 jihadist prisoners by the new Malian authorities.

The latest attack took place on the night of October 12 and 13, 2020 on Malian army positions in the locality of Sokoura, within the Bankass circle in the Mopti region resulting in the deaths of 12 Malian soldiers with several wounded.

As the attack was in progress, the jihadists received reinforcements while soldiers sent for reinforcement by the Malian army were ambushed in Perou within the locality of Sokoura leaving several soldiers wounded.

An army communiqué, a copy of which HumAngle was able to get, revealed that the Malian forces had used military aircraft in attacking and destroying two vehicles that were transporting some jihadists to the theatre of war.

The communiqué did not, however, give the precise number of casualties resulting from the October 13 attack but said an evaluation of the damage caused was underway.

The new Malian authorities recently released over 200 jihadist prisoners in exchange for the release of Malian opposition leader, Soumaila Cisse, and French hostage, Sophie Pétronin.

Observers of the political situation in Mali are of the opinion that the new authorities in Bamako committed a big error by releasing the jihadists who have since joined the ranks of their colleagues in fighting against the Malian army.

The jihadist release is seen as a plus for the jihadist insurgency in the north and central regions because the surge in jihadist attacks comes just two weeks after the release of the over 200 combatants.