Mali's military has eliminated one of the terrorist leaders, the country's armed forces said in a communique.
The terrorist was destroyed as a result of a successful helicopter operation in the Malian region of Menaka.
"The General Staff of the Armies informs the public national and international than in the context of the operation "Keletigui", a helicopter-borne action was successfully conducted, this Sunday, January 21, 2024 in the Menaka region, sector of In-Araban," the communique read.
In addition to the leader, two of his lieutenants were also neutralized, and two pickup trucks and 13 camouflaged motorcycles were destroyed.
"The General Staff of the Armies salutes the bravery of the forces engaged in the various theaters of operations in order to ensure safety on the entire territory," the statement added.
In December, terrorist attacks in four locations in northern Mali were repelled by the country's armed forces. Mali has been battling militants from various separatist and Islamist groups since early 2012.
*Terrorist organization outlawed in Russia