West Africa's al-Qaeda affiliate and Tuareg separatists attacked Mali's main army base and area near Bamako's airport on Saturday, killing Defence Minister Sadio Camara. The groups also pushed Russian troops supporting government forces out of the strategic town of Kidal, triggering a scramble for territory across Mali's vast desert north.
Mali's President Assimi Goita stated the situation is under control in his first public appearance since coordinated attacks by radical groups began on April 25. He confirmed operations against armed groups will continue until their complete elimination and praised the strategic cooperation with Russia. The Sahel States Confederation (Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger) is conducting joint actions in response to the attacks.
Mali'de 25 Nisan'da JNIM ve FLA silahlı gruplarının koordineli saldırıları düzenlendi. Başkent Bamako, Kati, Gao ve Kidal'ı hedef alan saldırılarda Savunma Bakanı Sadio Camara bombalı intihar saldırısında öldü. Cumhurbaşkanı Goita ulusa seslenişinde güvenlik güçlerinin hızlı müdahalesiyle saldırganlara darbe indirildiğini, durumun kontrol altında olduğunu açıkladı.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that inquiries regarding the location of Mali's President Assimi Goita should be directed to Malian authorities following recent militant attacks in the country.
Coordinated attacks by Tuareg rebels and jihadist fighters across Mali killed Defence Minister Sadio Camara in a car bomb attack at his home in Kati. His wife and two grandchildren also died. Junta leader General Assimi Goita has not been seen since Saturday's dawn offensive, which analysts describe as the most serious challenge to Mali's rulers since the 2012 offensive repelled by French forces.
The Malian military reported coordinated attacks by unidentified armed groups on barracks and key locations in Bamako and across the country. Fighting remains ongoing as the nation, ruled by a military junta since 2020, continues to struggle with long-term jihadist conflict.
