Armed groups carry out coordinated attacks in Mali
Armed groups carry out coordinated attacks across Mali, resulting in explosions and sustained gunfire in multiple locations, including the capital city, Bamako. Witnesses have reported clashes in the centre and northern regions of the country, marking what analysts describe as the largest jihadist attack in years.
Details of the attacks and affected areas
The attacks began with explosions and gunfire in Bamako, followed by fighting near Kati, a town with a major military base outside the capital. Additional clashes were reported in the northern cities of Gao and Kidal, as well as in the central cities of Sevare and Mopti.
The assault involved two main groups: the separatist Azawad Liberation Front (FLA), which seeks an independent Tuareg state in northern Mali, and the jihadist group Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM). The FLA focused primarily on northern cities, while JNIM launched simultaneous attacks across the country.
Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadane, spokesman for the FLA, confirmed coordination between the two groups, stating the operation was well-planned and conducted in alliance with JNIM. JNIM also acknowledged the joint nature of the attacks in a statement.
Military response and ongoing conflict
Mali’s military reported efforts to repel the attacks were underway, claiming to have routed the “terrorist groups” with several hundred militants killed. However, independent verification of these claims has not been possible, and fighting reportedly continues in some areas.
Ramadane indicated that Kidal had not fallen completely, with Malian army forces and Russian mercenaries still present. He stated that while the gates of Gao had fallen, army camps there remained under control. The FLA has posted unverified footage showing militants taking over a military camp in Kidal and a helicopter allegedly shot down near Gao.
An FLA field commander said the group had prepared for months and aimed to control Gao, with plans to advance toward Timbuktu. The commander also mentioned efforts to block roads to prevent army reinforcements from arriving.
Security measures and international reactions
In Bamako, checkpoints have been set up on roads leading to the airport, and vehicles are being searched. A curfew from 21:00 to 06:00 local time has been imposed for three nights. Reports indicate that all flights into Bamako were cancelled early on the day of the attacks, and the UK Foreign Office advised against all travel to Mali, noting the temporary closure of Bamako International Airport.
International responses include condemnation from the African Union Commission and the US State Department’s Africa bureau, both expressing concern for civilian safety and support for the Malian government. The African Union chair condemned the attacks for risking harm to civilians, while the US extended condolences to victims and their families.
Background on Mali’s security situation
Mali has faced ongoing insurgencies involving jihadist groups affiliated with al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, as well as separatist movements in the north. The FLA has controlled parts of northern Mali for years, seeking an independent Tuareg homeland.
The country is currently governed by a military junta led by Gen Assimi Goïta, who took power in a 2020 coup promising to restore security. Despite the departure of UN peacekeepers and French forces, and the involvement of Russian mercenaries, the jihadist insurgency persists, with large areas in the north and east remaining outside government control.