Movement for the Salvation of Azawad
The Movement for the Salvation of Azawad is a Tuareg political movement and armed group in Azawad, Mali. It was founded on 2 September 2016 by Moussa Ag Acharatoumane.History
The MSA was founded on 2 September 2016 in Tin-Fadimata, north of Ménaka, by former members of the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad.
With French support, a joint-operation was conducted by the MSA and the Imghad Tuareg Self-Defense Group and Allies on 23 February 2018 to capture or kill Malian ISIL commander Abu Walid al-Sahrawi. Six ISIL militants were killed in the ensuing clashes, but Sahrawi evaded capture.
MSA and GATIA troops battled ISIL militants from 2 to 5 June 2018. ISIL commanders Almahmoud Ag Akawkaw was captured, while Amat Ag Assalate was killed during the battle.
