Coordinated attacks rock Mali: Unprecedented security escalation hits the capital and several regions
A large-scale attack targets Bamako and military sites.
Our correspondent in Mali
The Malian army announced that armed men launched simultaneous attacks on the capital, Bamako, and several other areas of the country, in an operation that appeared to be coordinated and involved multiple groups. The army explained on Saturday morning that it was engaged in confrontations with “terrorist groups” that targeted military barracks in Bamako and various regions of the military-ruled country.
Explosions and gunfire near the government headquarters
Two loud explosions and heavy gunfire were heard shortly before 6 a.m. near the main military base in Kati, outside Bamako, where military governor Assimi Goïta resides.
Local residents reported that the home of Defense Minister Sadio Camara was among the targets, with reports indicating it was destroyed, while sources close to him confirmed that he was not present and was safe.
Clashes near the airport and heavy military deployment
Heavy weapons and automatic gunfire were reported around Modibo Keita International Airport in Bamako, with military helicopters flying over neighboring areas. Simultaneous unrest broke out in the cities of Sévaré, Kidal, and Gao, reflecting the wide-ranging nature of the attack.
Claims of control and conflicting information
A spokesperson for the Azawad National Liberation Front (MNLA) announced that its forces had seized control of Kidal and parts of Gao, but these claims could not be independently verified. The Malian army later confirmed that the situation was under control, with extensive search operations continuing.
Complex alliances and the escalating terrorist threat
Terrorist groups linked to al-Qaeda confirmed their involvement in the attacks, indicating coordination with the Azawad National Liberation Front. Analysts considered the level of coordination and scale of the attacks unprecedented, reflecting a dangerous escalation in the capabilities of these groups.
A protracted crisis and regional challenges
Mali has been facing multiple armed rebellions for more than a decade, under military rule since 2020 and 2021. It also suffers from escalating activity by terrorist and separatist groups, amid declining international support and shifting alliances, further complicating the security landscape in the entire Sahel region.
