The Group for Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM [14]), al-Qaeda's branch in West Africa and the Sahel, claimed its forces were responsible for a suicide bombing in the northern Malian city of Gao Nov. 12. The suicide truck-bomb detonated in a residential area of Gao, killing three (not counting the attacker) and wounding another 30. The JNIM statement [15] claimed the target was a base of "Crusader invaders" from the United Kingdom, Germany and Canada. However, all of those killed were civilians and local Malians [16]. Four of the wounded were foreign employees of the United Nations' Mine Action Service [17], working to remove landmines in the area. They included two Cambodians, a South African, and a Zimbabwean. A video later released by JNIM confirmed that the mine-dismantling headquarters in Gao was the intended target. The video stated that "this operation demonstrates that the mujahideen are continuing upon their covenant, which they had made to their lord, until they achieve one of the two good ends, victory or martyrdom." The statement said the group will continue to target international forces until "the ummah [Musilm community] enjoys the rule of shariah."
The suicide bombing was the first claimed by JNIM since July. In that attack, a bomber rammed his explosive-laden vehicle into a French patrol, also in the city of Gao. At least eight French troops were wounded, while two civilians lost their lives in the blast. Just days before that, a JNIM suicide bomber struck [18] a G5 Sahel [19] base in central Mali's Mopti region, killing six. (Long War Journal [20])
