Malian forces have regained control of a town near the Niger border after armed fighters linked to ISIS withdrew following clashes with the army, according to residents and a diplomatic source.

The development comes after a series of coordinated attacks earlier this week that killed Mali’s defense minister and dealt a significant blow to Russian-backed forces supporting the army. The attacks highlighted the growing strength and coordination of militant groups operating in the region.

Residents in the border town of Ménaka reported that ISIS Sahel Province fighters pulled out after fighting with Malian troops, who have since resumed both ground and aerial patrols.

In central Mali, particularly in the Mopti region, a fragile calm has returned following weekend violence. However, residents remain deeply concerned as the army increases checkpoints and intensifies security patrols.

Mali’s military leader, Assimi Goïta, appeared publicly for the first time in days, pledging to pursue those responsible for the attacks. The assault showed clear coordination between al-Qaeda-linked groups and Tuareg separatists, who recently seized the strategic town of Kidal from Malian forces backed by Russian mercenaries.

Analysts warn that these developments could trigger a broader conflict across northern Mali, raising concerns about the expansion of militant operations into neighboring countries and potentially beyond.