In a significant confrontation, Malian forces reportedly killed dozens of Islamist militants during an assault on a military base in San on Sunday. The jihadist group Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an affiliate of al-Qaeda, is believed to be behind the attack, having allegedly taken control of the base temporarily. However, the Malian army refuted this claim and stated that they had only temporarily retreated due to the intensity of the fight. The skirmish resulted in casualties on both sides, with at least 10 soldiers killed. This incident comes amidst deteriorating security conditions in Mali, over a decade since jihadist insurgencies began spreading in the northern regions. According to witnesses, the attackers approached the base on motorcycles and foot, some disguised as soldiers, and engaged in combat that lasted approximately two hours. The assailants used drones, heavy machine guns, and armored vehicles to breach the perimeter, according to the Malian army. Since 2012, Mali has been grappling with insurgencies, with large parts of the north and east still outside government control. JNIM has expanded its operations recently, targeting not just northern but also central and southern Mali, demonstrating an ability to penetrate deeper into the territory despite numerous military operations. The recent attack is part of a broader trend of violence in Mali, following a coup in 2020 that saw the Defense Minister, Sadio Camara, killed in an apparent suicide truck bombing. In response to the security crisis, Mali has turned away from French military aid and instead sought assistance from Russia.