There is debate within the US administration about how to proceed. Some officials, including Sebastian Gorka, the senior director for counterterrorism at the National Security Council, support the direct use of force against the militants. Meanwhile, the Pentagon and the State Department have not confirmed any specific military plans.
The security situation in Mali has deteriorated as the country has moved away from traditional alliances with the West and closer to Russia. The military government in Bamako has sought support from Russian structures, including the Kremlin-linked Africa Corps.
Attacks by armed groups have hit strategic targets and senior government officials. An attack in April also killed Mali’s Defense Minister, Sadio Camara.
Washington has criticized Russia’s role in the Region, calling Moscow an “ineffective security partner” for Mali in the fight against terrorism.
However, analysts warn that a unilateral military intervention could create unforeseen consequences, further destabilizing the Region or strengthening rival groups, including branches of the Islamic State in the Sahel.
Security experts argue that, in addition to military operations, political solutions and long-term dialogue are needed, as external interventions in the Sahel have so far failed to bring lasting stability.