Bamako: At least 40 fuel tankers were burned in western Mali after an ambush by militants linked to al-Qaeda, raising fears of severe fuel shortages across the country. The attack, carried out by  JNIM, struck a convoy of more than 100 vehicles under military escort in the Kayes region, a vital corridor for fuel transport from neighboring countries.

Truckers’ unions reported that around 40 tankers were destroyed, while sources close to the insurgents claimed the number could be as high as 80. The incident follows JNIM’s recent announcement of a blockade on fuel imports to Mali, targeting supplies from Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Senegal, and Mauritania.

The Malian army confirmed that it had suffered a “terrorist attack” while securing the convoy, but claimed to have reacted “vigorously.” The insurgents, however, said government soldiers fled during the assault. Independent verification of casualties and the extent of the damage remains unclear.

Mali, already grappling with economic strain under military rule, could face a complete fuel shortage within weeks if imports remain blocked, according to sources in the chamber of commerce.Analysts warn the tactic is part of a broader militant strategy to weaken state control by disrupting supply chains and isolating key cities.

Regional media reported that transporters’ associations and Mali’s Transport Ministry are holding urgent talks on how to continue operations under the threat of insurgent attacks. Security experts caution that continued assaults on convoys could deter transporters from entering Mali altogether, exacerbating shortages and driving up fuel prices.

The escalation underscores the growing pressure on Mali’s junta, which has struggled to contain militant advances across the Sahel. The attack marks one of the most damaging economic blows in recent months, heightening concerns of a worsening crisis for civilians reliant on already fragile supply networks.