Krvavi spopadi v Sahelu med nasprotnikoma Al Kaide in Islamske države

Fierce clashes between rival jihadist groups linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State have intensified across the Sahel region, with both sides claiming hundreds of fatalities. The conflict, primarily centered around the border areas of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, represents the most intense direct confrontation globally between an Al-Qaeda branch and an IS-linked group, according to a report submitted to the United Nations Security Council in early August. The fighting has escalated significantly since September, with the Islamic State - Sahel Province (ISSP) asserting it killed more than 400 fighters from the Al-Qaeda-linked Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM) during clashes in the Burkinabe province of Oudalan near the Mali-Niger border. The claimed death toll, if verified, would surpass previous reports of over 200 fatalities attributed to the ISSP in the same area in early September. According to Heni Nsaibia, an analyst at the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data (ACLED) project, the conflict has resulted in approximately 2,200 deaths since 2019, following more than 320 battles between the two groups. Recent clashes began on October 9 in the tri-border area involving the Malian town of Tessit and northern Burkina Faso locations such as Arbinda and Tin-Akoff. The rivalry stems from both groups vying for control of the same territories, routes, and local populations. Wassim Nasr, a researcher at the Soufan Center specializing in jihadist movements, noted that the groups are engaged in a "race for control of the borders between the three countries." This competition has led to the expansion of hostilities into western Niger and even northwestern Nigeria. The ISSP has extended its influence from its stronghold in Mali’s Menaka to Niger’s regions of Tahoua, Dosso, and Maradi, approaching the Nigerian border. This geographical shift facilitates the movement of fighters, equipment, and expertise with ISWAP, the IS branch operating in the Lake Chad basin. The underlying conflict reflects divergent ideologies and strategies. While JNIM engages in civilian abuses, it focuses on establishing local roots through community alliances and targets primarily state forces and foreign troops. In contrast, the ISSP adheres to a stricter, transnational approach, often targeting civilians who resist its authority under the broader goal of establishing a global caliphate. Despite the heavy casualties claimed by the ISSP, JNIM continues to pose the primary terrorism threat in the Sahel, with estimates suggesting its forces range between 7,000 and 8,000 fighters, compared to approximately 2,000 for the ISSP. According to Hasret Kargin, a Sahel specialist, there is evidence that JNIM has reinforced its presence in the affected areas, indicating ongoing efforts to maintain dominance in the region.