Mali: after heavy military losses, the response must be "long-term" (analyst) A Bamako-based researcher with the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) analyses the recent escalation of conflict between the Malian defence forces and jihadist insurgents. At least 25 troops were killed after militants aboard heavily-armed vehicles raided two military camps at Boulkessy and Mondoro earlier this week. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES