Bamako airport temporarily suspends flights after gunfire heard nearby

The airport of the financial capital announced Bamako Flights were temporarily suspended after gunfire was heard nearby, following clashes.

Meanwhile, he announced Malian armyOn Saturday, a number of militants were eliminated while attempting to launch attacks in some areas of the country.

The Malian Armed Forces stated in a statement, “The General Staff of the Armed Forces informs the national public that armed terrorist groups attempted this morning, April 25, 2026, to launch attacks in some cities of the country.”.

She added, “Many terrorists have been eliminated and their equipment destroyed, while combing operations continue, and the situation is under control.”.

Attacks on several sites and barracks in the capital, Bamako

Earlier today, the Malian army announced that several sites and barracks in the capital Bamako and other areas of the country had been targeted by armed groups.

Prior to that, financial media reported hearing several explosions and gunfire at army positions in the central and northern parts of the country.

On Saturday, armed groups launched coordinated attacks targeting the capital Bamako and other strategic locations across the country, in the latest indication of growing security risks in the region, amid ongoing challenges facing the Malian army in putting an end to the expansion of extremist organizations.

Loud explosions and heavy gunfire heard in Mali

Eyewitnesses reported hearing loud explosions and heavy gunfire before 06:00 GMT near the main Kati military base outside Bamako, prompting army forces to deploy and close roads leading to the area.

Simultaneously, the city of Sevare (central) and the towns of Kidal and Gao (north) witnessed similar disturbances, with residents of Sevare confirming that gunshots could be heard throughout the city.

Mali is facing a dual insurgency from groups affiliated with al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, in addition to the ongoing conflict with the “Strategic Cooperation Framework” movements (which include Tuareg factions) in the north.

Reports in Mali indicated the possible involvement of “Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin” (loyal to al-Qaeda) in today’s attacks, although no official statement was issued claiming responsibility for the operation by it or by “Islamic State – Sahel Province”.

Washington condemned the terrorist attacks in Mali, affirming its support for the Malian people and government in the face of violence and its commitment to promoting stability and security in the region, according to a statement from the US State Department.