Suspected Terrorists Attack Gold Mine in Southern Mali, Abduct Workers

Suspected terrorists attacked the Morila gold mine in southern Mali over the weekend, burning equipment and briefly taking several employees hostage before their release, officials said on Monday.

The assault occurred at the mining complex near Sikasso Region, one of Mali’s key gold-producing areas, where security threats have increased amid ongoing instability. Government sources said the attackers set fire to machinery and infrastructure before detaining seven workers. All were released the following evening as security forces regained control of the site.

A spokesperson for Mali’s Ministry of Mines confirmed that the situation had since been stabilised and that no fatalities were reported. Authorities said they were conducting a sweep of the area to ensure remaining threats were neutralised and to assess damage to the facility.

The Morila gold mine, which has significant strategic economic importance for Mali, had been transitioned to state control after previous foreign investors withdrew operations amid declining output and security concerns. The latest incident underscores persistent risks faced by artisanal and industrial sites in the region.

Security analysts noted that armed groups with links to extremist factions have increasingly targeted economic infrastructure, complicating efforts to attract investment and ensure safe operations in the mining sector.

Malian security forces have called for heightened vigilance and cooperation with local communities to improve early warning and response capabilities.

SOURCE: Reuters