Story perspectives

UAE Paid $50M Ransom to JNIM, UN Says

8/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

JNIM, al-Qaeda’s Sahel affiliate, received a US$50 million ransom from the United Arab Emirates in late 2025.
UN experts said the money funded katibas and was partly sent to al-Qaeda in Yemen and to JNIM’s core leadership.
The cash helped JNIM capture Kidal base and force the withdrawal of hundreds of Russian troops.
The UN sanctions committee reviewed the August 10, 2026 report, stating the ransom reshaped terrorist finances and reach in West Africa.

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Story summary

JNIM, al-Qaeda’s Sahel affiliate, received a US$50 million ransom from the United Arab Emirates in late 2025.
UN experts said the money funded katibas and was partly sent to al-Qaeda in Yemen and to JNIM’s core leadership.
The cash helped JNIM capture Kidal base and force the withdrawal of hundreds of Russian troops.
The UN sanctions committee reviewed the August 10, 2026 report, stating the ransom reshaped terrorist finances and reach in West Africa.