Country Report on Terrorism 2024 - Chapter 4 - Ansar al-Dine (AAD)

Ansar al-Dine

Aka:  Ansar Dine; Ansar al-Din; Ancar Dine; Ansarul-Din; Ansar Eddine; Defenders of theFaith.

Description:  Ansar al-Dine (AAD) is now a component of Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM).  The group was designated as an FTO on March 22, 2013.  AAD was created in 2011 as a Tuareg rebel group after its leader, Iyad ag Ghali, failed in his attempt to take over another secular Tuareg organization.  It began an association with AQIM in mid-2012.  Following the 2012 coup that toppled the Malian government, AAD was among the organizations (which also included AQIM and the Movement for Unity and Jihad in West Africa) to take over northern Mali, destroy UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and enforce a severe interpretation of Sharia on the civilian population living in the areas under its control.

Beginning in 2013, French and allied African forces conducted operations in northern Mali to counter AAD and other terrorist and rebel groups, eventually forcing AAD and its allies out of the population centers they had seized.  Ghali, however, remained free and appeared in AAD videos in 2015 and 2016, threatening France and the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (or MINUSMA).

In 2017, the Sahara Branch of AQIM, AAD, al-Murabitoun, and the Macina Liberation Front came together to form JNIM.  Ghali was named the overall emir of JNIM.

Activities:  AAD did not separately claim responsibility for any attacks in 2024.

Strength:  AAD’s precise numbers are unknown.

Location/Area of Operation:  Mali.

Funding and External Aid:  AAD has cooperated closely with al-Qa’ida and has received its support since its inception.  AAD is also said to receive funds from foreign donors and through smuggling operations.

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