Written by: Qusay Ahmed

The Malian Armed Forces announced that armed terrorist groups attempted, on the morning of April 25, 2026, to carry out coordinated attacks targeting several locations within the country, confirming that these attacks were quickly repelled thanks to the professionalism and intervention of the forces deployed on the ground.

She added in a statement that the forces were able to neutralize a number of attackers and destroy military equipment during the operations, noting that security and military operations are still ongoing in the affected areas.

Reports of armed men seizing positions in Kidal

In the same context, field sources, according to local media, reported that armed groups entered the city of Kidal in northern Mali and seized the office of the state governor, General Al-Haji Gamou, and also took his passport and car, while confirming that the control did not include the whole city, as clashes continued in several neighborhoods between government forces and the militants.

For its part, the US Embassy in Mali called on its citizens to exercise extreme caution and stay away from areas of clashes, following coordinated armed attacks targeting the capital Bamako and a number of other cities, amid escalating security tensions in the country.

Explosions and gunfire

The embassy confirmed that it is monitoring reports of explosions and gunfire near the Kati area and the vicinity of Bamako airport, urging American citizens to take shelter and avoid unnecessary movements.

Several areas, including Sevare, Kidal and Gao, witnessed explosions and simultaneous gunfire, according to eyewitnesses, while army forces deployed and closed roads leading to the areas of engagement, indicating the possibility of a large-scale and coordinated attack.

In a previous statement, the Malian army confirmed that unidentified armed terrorist groups had launched attacks on military barracks in the capital and inland areas, noting that clashes were ongoing and calling on residents to remain calm.

Azawad Liberation Front control

In contrast, a spokesman for the Azawad Liberation Front said that the Front's forces had seized positions in Kidal and Gao, statements that have not been independently verified, while security sources spoke of the possible involvement of groups linked to al-Qaeda in some of the attacks.

These developments come amid a highly complex security situation that Mali has been experiencing for more than a decade, as a result of the overlap between rebellions in the north and the activity of extremist groups, including the Islamic State – Sahel Province, which has led to an escalation of attacks against the army and civilians.

The military council led by Assimi Goïta is relying on the support of Russian military contractors, in a notable shift in security alliances, amid attempts to rebuild international cooperative relationships, including with the United States.

These developments reflect a dangerous escalation of security in the country and pose major challenges to the Malian authorities in their efforts to restore stability and contain the growing threats in the Sahel region.