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Al Jazeera English1 min read
Mali hit by wave of coordinated attacks from armed groups
TL;DR
Mali is experiencing a significant wave of coordinated attacks from armed groups, including Islamist militants, targeting multiple cities. Heavy gunfire and explosions have been reported near government and military sites.
Key points
- Mali is facing coordinated attacks from armed groups.
- Islamist militants are among the attackers.
- Heavy gunfire and explosions reported near key sites.
An ariel view of Bamako, Mali, April 25, 2026. uncredited/AP
uncredited/AP
LAGOS, Nigeria—In Mali, West Africa, arme groups including Islamist militants have launched one of the largest coordinated attacks seen in recent years, targeting multiple cities across the country.
Heavy gunfire and explosions have been reported around government buildings and major military installations, signaling a highly organized offensive.
The attacks have affected the capital, Bamako, as well as at least three other locations. In Bamako, sustained gunfire and explosions were heard near the main airport, forcing the cancellation of incoming and outgoing flights. Similar incidents have been reported in Sevare, Kidal, and the northern city of Gao.
The U.S. Embassy in Mali has urged American citizens to shelter in place and avoid all travel.
While the Malian government says fighting is ongoing, officials claim the situation remains under control and its security forces are "currently engaged in repelling the attackers." Reports indicate that Russian backed Africa Corps mercenaries are fighting alongside Malian forces in several locations, including the capital.
Videos circulating on social media suggest the attacks were carried out by militants linked to Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an Al-Qaeda-affiliated group, along with Tuareg rebels from the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA).
Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadane, a spokesperson for the Azawad rebels, claimed that fighters have seized control of multiple areas and warned neighboring Sahel countries against intervening.
Mali has faced escalating instability in recent years, with groups linked to al-Qaeda, including JNIM, and others aligned with the Islamic State group operating across the country, alongside a long-running Tuareg-led separatist rebellion in the north.
In August 2020, Malian military officers led by Gen. Assimi Goïta seized power, in a coup d'état, later forming a military junta that pledged to improve security.
Q&A
What cities in Mali are affected by the recent coordinated attacks?
The coordinated attacks are targeting multiple cities across Mali, although specific city names are not detailed in the reports.
Who is responsible for the coordinated attacks in Mali?
The attacks are primarily attributed to armed groups, including Islamist militants.
What is the significance of the recent attacks in Mali?
These attacks represent one of the largest organized offensives in recent years, indicating a serious escalation in violence and instability in the region.
