Islamist insurgents target Mali government backers

Significance

This follows several other smaller-scale incidents against Bamako this year. However, it is the largest terrorist attack ever in the capital city and an alarming escalation for President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita's fragile government.

Impacts

• Al-Murabitun may be carrying out more audacious attacks to advance al-Qaida's branding against that of Islamic State group.
• Al-Murabitun can expect moderate success, given the benefits of operating in a region with weak state security forces.
• An attack against stable states such as Algeria or Morocco would increase the group's notoriety.