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BBC News1 min read
Militants and separatists launch coordinated attacks across Mali
TL;DR
Islamic militants and separatists launched coordinated attacks across Mali, targeting Bamako's international airport and four other cities. The al-Qaida-linked group JNIM claimed responsibility for the assaults, which involved heavy gunfire and military engagement.
Key points
- Coordinated attacks occurred across several cities in Mali
- JNIM claimed responsibility for the assaults
- Targets included Bamako's international airport
- Malian army engaged in combat with attackers
- The situation was reported to be under control
Mentioned in this story
JNIMAzawad Liberation FrontMaliBamako
Islamic militants and separatists attacked several locations in Mali’s capital and other cities on Saturday in one of the largest coordinated attacks in the country in recent years.
The al-Qaida-linked militant group JNIM claimed responsibility for the attacks on Bamako’s international airport and four other cities in central and northern Mali on its website Azallaq. It said the attacks were carried out jointly with the Azawad Liberation Front, a Tuareg-led separatist group.
Mali has previously faced insurgencies fought by affiliates of al-Qaida and the Islamic State group, as well as a separatist rebellion in the north.
The Malian army said in a statement that “unidentified armed terrorist groups targeted certain locations and barracks” in Bamako and that soldiers were “engaged in eliminating the attackers”. It said in a later statement the situation was under control.
An Associated Press journalist in Bamako heard sustained heavy weapons and automatic rifle gunfire coming from Modibo Keïta international airport, about 9 miles (15km) from the city centre, and saw a helicopter over nearby neighbourhoods. The airport is adjacent to an airbase used by Mali’s air force. A resident living near the airport also reported gunfire and three helicopters patrolling overhead.
The US embassy in Bamako issued a security alert citing reports of explosions and gunfire near Kati and the international airport, and urged US citizens to shelter in place and avoid travel there.
A resident of Kati, a town near Bamako that is home to Mali’s main military base, said he was woken by the sound of gunfire and explosions. Gen Assimi Goita, the leader of Mali’s military junta, resides in Kati. The residence of Mali’s defence minister, Sadio Camara, was heavily damaged by an explosion during the attack, a nearby shopkeeper told the AP, speaking on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals.
Videos on social media showed militant convoys in trucks and motorcycles moving through Kati’s deserted streets, while residents looked on fearfully.
Residents of Sevare and Mopti, two towns in central Mali, also reported attacks by gunmen.
Other videos in the northern towns of Kidal and Gao showed gunfire exchanges in the streets, with dead bodies lying on the ground.
Insurgents entered Kidal, taking control of some neighbourhoods and leading to exchanges of fire with the army, a former mayor of the town told the AP by phone, speaking on condition of anonymity out of fear for his safety.
Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadane, a spokesperson for the Azawad movement, said in a post on Facebook that its forces had taken control of Kidal as well as some areas in Gao, another northeastern city. The AP could not independently verify his claim.
Kidal had long served as a stronghold of the separatist rebellion before being taken by Malian government forces and Russian mercenaries in 2023. Its capture marked a significant symbolic victory for the junta and its Russian allies.
Q&A
What groups were involved in the coordinated attacks in Mali?
The attacks were carried out by the al-Qaida-linked militant group JNIM and the Azawad Liberation Front, a Tuareg-led separatist group.
What locations were targeted during the attacks in Mali?
The attacks targeted Bamako's international airport and four other cities in central and northern Mali.
What was the response of the Malian army to the attacks?
The Malian army reported engaging in combat with the attackers and later stated that the situation was under control.
How significant are these attacks in the context of Mali's recent history?
These attacks represent one of the largest coordinated assaults in Mali in recent years, highlighting ongoing security challenges from insurgent groups.
