Mali: The AES launches a violent response, jihadists under assault

The unified anti-jihadist force from Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali conducted intensified air campaigns in northern Mali following jihadist attacks that killed the Malian Defense Minister and led to the loss of the city of Kidal. Nigerien authorities praised the swift response of the unified force, which now numbers 15,000 troops. General Célestin Simporé vowed to hunt down those responsible for the attacks, while a thousand people gathered in Niamey to express solidarity with the Malian people.