Al-Qaeda affiliate Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) has intensified militant attacks across West Africa, particularly in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, throughout late June and July 2025. In Burkina Faso, JNIM claimed multiple attacks resulting in the deaths of dozens of soldiers and VDP personnel, including a deadly assault near Diabo where 40 soldiers were reportedly killed and a large cache of weapons and equipment seized. The group also seized military positions near Gaoua, Kelbo, Ouahigouya, and Dédougou, capturing weapons, vehicles, and drones. JNIM has clashed with rival Islamic State – Sahel Province (IS-SP) militants in Burkina Faso, killing several fighters in recent confrontations. In Mali, JNIM launched coordinated attacks on July 1 targeting seven strategic towns and military sites including Kayes, Niono, Molodo, Sandaré, Nioro du Sahel, Diboli, and Gogui. These assaults damaged military and police installations, destroyed over 100 vehicles and motorcycles, and led to the capture of significant military equipment such as Kalashnikov rifles, RPGs, PK machine guns, and mortars. The Malian Armed Forces (FAMa) reported killing more than 80 JNIM militants in response to the attacks, with some militants captured alive. JNIM also claimed control over several checkpoints and bases in Niono and surrounding areas and declared a blockade of Kayes and Nioro following the attacks. Additionally, JNIM targeted vehicles belonging to the Africa Corps (formerly Wagner Group) in Mali with explosive devices, causing damage and casualties. In Niger, JNIM claimed an ambush on a military patrol in the Dosso region, while local security forces killed 15 militants and destroyed a logistics base east of Toullou. The surge in coordinated attacks by JNIM challenges the narrative of improving security in the Sahel region and underscores the ongoing instability and militant activity in these countries.