Mauritania arrests 17 in Bassiknou arms seizure

Mauritanian authorities arrested 17 individuals in Bassiknou, located in the Hodh Ech Chargui region near the Malian border, following a security operation on September 4, 2026. During the operation, security forces seized two pick-up trucks loaded with weapons and ammunition.

Among those detained is Sidi Mohamed Ould Mohamed Ould Bouamama, also known by his nom de guerre, Sanda Ould Bouamama. He is identified as a former spokesperson for the Malian jihadist group Ansar Dine, which has since been integrated into the JNIM coalition affiliated with Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb. Bouamama previously held a prominent role during the 2012-2013 Malian crisis and was subject to an international arrest warrant involving charges of crimes against humanity, war crimes, and terrorism.

The suspects have been transferred to Néma for questioning. Investigators are working to determine the origin of the weapons, which are believed to have come from northern Mali, and to establish the intended destination of the shipment.