Trump administration weighs action in Mali (ANI image on left)The Trump administration is considering military strikes in Mali targeting Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an al-Qaida-linked militant group, according to current and former US officials cited by The Washington Post.The proposed operation comes amid escalating violence in northern Mali, where JNIM and the separatist Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) have intensified attacks against the Malian military in a bid to seize territory. Since early July, the two groups have been battling government forces despite pursuing different long-term objectives.If approved, Mali would become the eighth country where President Donald Trump has authorised military action since returning to office.JNIM ambush kills dozens of soldiersThe latest escalation follows a JNIM ambush on a Malian military convoy in northern Mali, reportedly leaving at least 50 soldiers dead or captured. The militant group also released videos purportedly showing Malian troops surrendering. Among those reportedly killed or captured were Russian fighters from Russia's Africa Corps, which replaced the Wagner Group in supporting Mali's military.Mali's military said it retaliated with airstrikes that killed around 20 JNIM fighters. The ambush took place between the northern cities of Gao and Anefis, an area where JNIM has been attempting to expand its control.The worsening security situation has raised concerns about the stability of Mali's military-led government, which came to power through coups in 2020 and 2021.The crisis deepened in April when Mali's defence minister was killed in a coordinated attack by JNIM and the FLA. While the FLA seeks an independent homeland in northern Mali, JNIM aims to impose Islamist rule across the country, making their alliance one of tactical convenience rather than shared ideology.