Mali poised to tackle terrorism with intelligence drones
Malian military authorities have acquired combat and intelligence drones to facilitate their efforts to fight terrorism and jihadist groups in the country.
The drones, Bayraktar TB2 type, which are from the Republic of Turkiye will strengthen the air vector and control the national territory against attacks from any enemy.
The drones are equipped with weapons including missiles and bombs and can be used against ground forces and infrastructure.
TB2s have been used by many in military scenarios including Ukraine where forces used the equipment to attack Russian targets, disrupting their logistics and progress.
According to local news outlet Maliweb, the new aircraft was handed over by the President of the Transition Colonel Assimi Goïta at the presidential pavilion of the President Modibo Kéïta Sénou International Airport, and was received by the Chief of Staff of the Army, General Alou Boï Diarra.
The ceremony which was held on January 4, 2024, will empower the country’s defense mechanism and ensure its sovereignty in the absence of French assistance in recent times.
Minister of Defense and Veterans Affairs Colonel Sadio Camara said the move forms part of efforts to strengthen the country’s military which in the past year has been equipped with combat vehicles, infrastructure, fighter planes, and manoeuvre helicopters among other things.
“We have regained control of our territory, and we have strengthened the stature of our State, now recognized and respected on the international scene. “Our strategic partnerships and our Alliance with other Sahel States reinforce our desire to continue on the path to dignity,” he was quoted by Maliweb.
Colonel Camara expressed appreciation to the Russian Federation, the People’s Republic of China, and the Republic of Turkey for their cooperation.
Other security officials including the President of the National Transitional Council, Colonel Malick Diaw, Prime Minister Choguel Kokalla Maïga, and several members of the government including Diplomats from Mali's partner countries were present at the event.
Mali has taken charge of its security since the withdrawal of French troops from the country in August 2022.
Here is a post by the Alliance of Sahel states:
