Armed groups launched coordinated attacks across Mali early Saturday, targeting the capital Bamako and multiple cities, including Kidal, Gao, and Sevare. The Malian army confirmed the assaults, stating that unidentified armed terrorist groups struck military installations and other locations. Fighting is ongoing, with security forces engaged in repelling attackers.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
Heavy gunfire and explosions were reported near Bamako’s Modibo Keïta International Airport, forcing flight cancellations. Residents in Kati, home to Mali’s main military base, also reported sustained gunfire and explosions. Videos on social media showed militant convoys in Kati and gunfire exchanges in Kidal and Gao, where separatist forces claimed control of some areas. The U.S. Embassy urged citizens to shelter in place.
Deeper Dive & Context
Background of Conflict
Mali has faced years of insurgencies by groups affiliated with al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, alongside a separatist rebellion in the north led by the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA). The 2015 peace deal with separatists has largely collapsed, and the country has seen escalating violence since a 2020 military coup led by Gen. Assimi Goïta.
Military Response
The Malian army, supported by Russian-backed mercenaries, is actively combating the attackers. The junta government claims the situation is under control, though large parts of the north and east remain outside government control. The UN peacekeeping mission and French forces withdrew after the coup, leaving the military government to rely on Russian support.
Separatist Claims
Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadane, a spokesperson for the Azawad Liberation Front, claimed on Facebook that separatist forces had taken control of areas in Kidal and Gao. The AP could not independently verify these claims. The FLA has long fought for an independent state in northern Mali, known as Azawad.
International Reactions
The U.S. Embassy in Mali advised citizens to avoid travel due to the ongoing violence. The attacks highlight the persistent instability in Mali, where jihadist insurgencies and separatist movements continue to challenge the government’s authority.