Following the fierce fighting in Anéfis, which took place from July 4 to 9, 2026, and resulted in a resounding victory for the Malian Armed Forces (FAMa) and their partners over the JNIM/FLA terrorist coalition, the Commander of the Eastern Joint Task Force (PCIAT-Est) of Operation DOUGOUKOLOKO, Colonel-Major Karim TRAORÉ, accompanied by the Commander of Sector 1, Colonel Ibrahim SAMASSA, and his staff, received several soldiers wounded in these engagements in Gao on July 11 and 12.
All the wounded were evacuated to the Role 2 hospital in the military region, where a medical team specializing in the treatment of war wounds and injuries resulting from shelling immediately provided them with care. A 48-hour airlift had been deployed beforehand to ensure their transfer under the best possible conditions. During the operations, the injured personnel received initial treatment and medical stabilization provided by tactical medical teams deployed alongside the combat units.
These actions reflect the commitment of the highest military authorities to personally oversee the health of these heroes, the quality of their care, and the conditions of their recovery. They also constitute a testament to the recognition, attention, and support of the entire nation for these valiant soldiers, who courageously committed themselves to the defense of the homeland.
The Commander of the Eastern Tactical Air Command (PCIAT-Est) reaffirmed to the wounded that the Nation will not abandon any of its sons and will ensure their support until their full recovery. He paid tribute to the memory of all the soldiers who have fallen in the line of duty, while extending his wishes for a speedy recovery to the wounded. Colonel-Major Karim Traoré also reiterated the military hierarchy's commitment to continuing efforts to improve the living, health, and working conditions of personnel deployed in the theater of operations.
As a sign of support and recognition for the medical personnel mobilized to care for the wounded, the Commander of the Eastern Joint Support Command (PCIAT-Est) presented a symbolic donation of 500,000 CFA francs to the medical teams.
The medical staff commended the personal commitment of the Commander of the Eastern Joint Support Command and the swift action taken to ensure the assistance and care of the wounded. Following the medical interventions, the practitioners confirmed that none of the soldiers receiving treatment were in critical condition.
For their part, the wounded reaffirmed their determination to continue the fight in defense of the nation. “This fight for freedom is ours, and we will take it on, whatever the cost or duration,” they declared, while commending the efforts of the command and the resources mobilized to support their recovery. Driven by a sense of duty and a spirit of sacrifice, they stated they are ready to return to the front as soon as their health permits.
Through their courage, resilience, and determination, these wounded soldiers remind us that love of country remains the driving force behind the commitment of the Malian Armed Forces. Their sacrifice testifies to a single conviction: the defense of Mali is a duty to be carried out with honor, even unto the ultimate sacrifice.
Adjt Alhassane Aldjoumati
