Written by: Qusay Ahmed

In a notable development in the armed clashes between the army and armed militias in Mali, the governor of the Koulikoro region issued a decree imposing a curfew from 9 pm to 6 am throughout the region, starting today and until further notice.

Local reports also indicated that the group known as Jama'at Nasr al-Islam targeted the headquarters of Mali's President Goïta during an attack in Kati on Saturday.

Coordinated attacks hit Mali

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.

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.