Kathmandu— Tuareg rebels have released around 60 Malian soldiers in exchange for Inkinane Ag Attaher, a former Malian army officer who defected and became a prominent figure within the Tuareg-led Azawad Liberation Front (FLA), security sources confirmed. The swap, which also included the release of individuals allegedly linked to Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an al-Qaeda affiliated group, was directly overseen by the government of Niger and follows a pattern of prisoner releases amidst ongoing conflict in northern Mali. Despite publicly rejecting negotiations with what it terms terrorist groups, the Malian government appears to be maintaining communication channels while fighting continues.

Details of the Prisoner Exchange

Approximately 60 soldiers were transported on Thursday to Niger for the exchange with Ag Attaher and individuals connected to JNIM, according to a Malian security source who spoke to AFP news agency. Ag Attaher was arrested by Nigerian security forces near the Niger-Nigeria border in 2025, accused of orchestrating drone training, coordinating attacks in Mali, and serving as an international liaison for the FLA.

Regional Mediation Efforts

The release comes amid broader regional efforts to de-escalate conflict in Mali. Algeria has reportedly been involved in mediating the release of soldiers, prompting a recent visit by Malian Prime Minister General Abdoulaye Maiga to Algiers to re-establish high-level talks after disagreements over regional security. Mohamed El Maouloud Ramadane, an FLA spokesman, welcomed Ag Attaher’s release on Facebook, wishing him “courage, strength and serenity for the continuation of the struggle.”

Escalating Conflict in Northern Mali

This exchange is the latest in a series of prisoner releases involving al-Qaeda-linked fighters, Tuareg rebels, and even Russian mercenaries. The FLA has also stated that some of its own members held in Malian prisons were freed as part of the agreement. JNIM and the FLA jointly claimed responsibility for attacks on April 25 targeting Bamako’s airport and other locations, including a bombing that killed Defence Minister Sadio Camara. They also launched attacks on army positions across Mali on July 4.

Malian Government's Stance

Despite the ongoing negotiations, Elisee Jean Dao, chief of the general staff of Mali’s armed forces, issued a warning to those continuing to fight against the Malian army. “Wherever the enemy is, we will go after them and defeat them, until they lay down their weapons,” he stated, adding that there was still an opportunity for reconciliation through existing peace processes.

Broader Sahel Instability

Al Jazeera correspondent Nicolas Haque noted that fighting continues beyond Mali’s borders throughout the wider Sahel region. However, both the prisoner releases and Algeria's mediation efforts suggest the possibility of further soldiers being freed in the future. Mali has been embroiled in civil war since 2012, originating with a Tuareg separatist rebellion which then evolved into armed campaigns by groups linked to al-Qaeda and ISIL (ISIS).

The situation remains fluid as fighting continues across the Sahel, but recent developments suggest ongoing attempts at negotiation alongside military confrontation.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.