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The Guardian World1 min read
Mali army says armed groups launch coordinated attacks across country
TL;DR
Armed groups have launched coordinated attacks across Mali, including in Bamako. The military is currently engaged in repelling the attackers amid ongoing fighting.
Key points
- Armed groups launched coordinated attacks across Mali.
- Attacks reported in Bamako, Gao, and Sevare.
- Mali army is repelling the attackers.
Mentioned in this story
MaliBamakoGaoSevareMali army
Armed groups have launched coordinated attacks across Mali, including in the capital Bamako, the country's army says.
In a statement released on Saturday morning, the military said "fighting is ongoing", adding "our defence and security forces are currently engaged in repelling the attackers".
Witnesses have told the Reuters news agency of explosions and sustained gunfire early on Saturday morning around the Kati military base, a major installation outside the capital. Soldiers have been deployed to block off roads in the area.
There are also reports of attacks in Gao in the north-east and Sevare in central Mali.
One resident, who was travelling back to Bamako from Ethiopia, told the BBC that all flights into the city were cancelled early on Saturday. It is not yet clear whether the reported attacks have affected the airport.
It is also unclear who is behind the attacks.
Mali is currently ruled by a military junta led by Gen Assimi Goïta, who first seized power in a coup in 2020, promising to restore security and push back armed groups.
The junta had popular support when it took power, promising to deal with the long-running security crisis prompted by a separatist rebellion in the north by ethnic Tuaregs, which was then hijacked by Islamist militants.
The UN peacekeeping mission and French forces had been deployed in 2013 to deal with the escalating insurgency.
Both have left since the junta took over, and the military government has hired Russian mercenaries to tackle the insecurity.
However, the jihadist insurgency has continued and large parts of the north and east of the country remain outside government control.
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Q&A
What areas in Mali are affected by the recent attacks?
The recent attacks have been reported in Bamako, Gao in the north-east, and Sevare in central Mali.
What is the current situation regarding flights in and out of Bamako?
All flights into Bamako were cancelled early on Saturday due to the attacks, but it is unclear if the airport itself has been directly affected.
What actions are being taken by the Mali army in response to the attacks?
The Mali army is actively engaged in repelling the attackers and has deployed soldiers to block off roads around the Kati military base.
