An Al Qaeda-linked militant group, Jama'a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM), claimed responsibility for a deadly attack on a military base in Mali on Sunday, killing over 30 soldiers. The group also targeted a military airstrip and Russian mercenaries in Timbuktu on Monday, causing heavy gunfire and explosions. Since early May, JNIM has reportedly killed over 400 soldiers across Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. Despite Russian support, regional forces struggle to contain the violence. Mali-based analyst Dr. Zoumara Diarra joins us to discuss the implications of this escalation.

<p>An Al Qaeda-linked militant group, Jama'a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM), claimed responsibility for a deadly attack on a military base in Mali on Sunday, killing over 30 soldiers. The group also targeted a military airstrip and Russian mercenaries in Timbuktu on Monday, causing heavy gunfire and explosions. Since early May, JNIM has reportedly killed over 400 soldiers across Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. Despite Russian support, regional forces struggle to contain the violence. Mali-based analyst Dr. Zoumara Diarra joins us to discuss the implications of this escalation.</p>