In late June 2025, a joint military operation involving the Malian Armed Forces (FAMa), Russia's Africa Corps, and the Movement for the Salvation of Azawad (MSA) successfully eliminated Abu Dahdah, a Moroccan-born senior commander of the Islamic State Sahel Province (ISSP), along with six militants in the northern Ménaka region of Mali. Abu Dahdah was a deputy to Abu al-Ghabas and oversaw attacks on convoys and government troops across Mali and Niger. Concurrently, the Al-Qaeda affiliated group Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) intensified militant activities across West Africa, particularly in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. JNIM claimed multiple attacks in Burkina Faso, including deadly assaults near Diabo and Dedougou, resulting in dozens of soldier casualties and the capture or destruction of weapons, vehicles, and equipment. On July 1, 2025, JNIM launched coordinated attacks on seven strategic towns and military posts in western Mali, including Kayes, Niono, Molodo, Sandaré, Nioro du Sahel, Diboli, and Gogui. These locations are key military and logistical hubs near border crossings and regional centers. The Malian army reported killing over 80 militants in response to these simultaneous attacks, which caused damage to military and gendarmerie posts, including the destruction of a government headquarters in Kayes. JNIM claimed to have captured several checkpoints and seized numerous weapons, vehicles, and ammunition during the assaults. Following these attacks, JNIM declared a blockade of Kayes and Nioro. Additionally, JNIM continued to conduct operations in Niger and Burkina Faso, seizing military positions and equipment. The Islamic State's Sahel Province claimed responsibility for recent improvised explosive device (IED) attacks targeting joint patrols of Malian and Russian forces, resulting in injuries and vehicle damage. The ongoing militant activities highlight persistent security challenges in the Sahel region despite coordinated military efforts.