Insurgents killed 18 abducted police officers and 11 soldiers in Pakistan's restive southwest on Wednesday. This escalation brings the death toll since Monday to 42, with security forces reporting the killing of 54 insurgents.
Melat Kiros defeated incumbent Rep. Diana DeGette in Colorado's 1st district Democratic Primary, marking another victory for socialist-backed candidates. This follows similar wins in New York City and highlights a trend of progressive challenges to established politicians.
An explosion in a village in Myanmar's Shan State, controlled by the TNLA, killed at least 46 people, including children and three Chinese nationals. The blast, believed to be accidental, destroyed hundreds of homes and injured 74 others. Rescue teams are continuing operations.
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.
Armed groups including Islamist militants from JNIM and Tuareg rebels from the Azawad Liberation Front launched coordinated attacks across Mali, targeting Bamako and at least three other cities. Sustained gunfire and explosions were reported near government buildings, military installations, and Bamako's main airport, forcing flight cancellations. The Malian government claims security forces are repelling attackers while Russian-backed Africa Corps mercenaries fight alongside government forces. The attacks come amid worsening insecurity in the Sahel region, which accounts for over half of global terrorism deaths.
Mali's military is battling what analysts describe as the largest coordinated jihadist attack in years, with fighting ongoing at the Kati military base near Bamako and attacks in Gao, Kidal and Sevare. Videos suggest involvement of JNIM militants and Tuareg FLA rebels. The US Embassy has advised citizens to shelter in place. Mali has been ruled by a military junta since 2020, which has hired Russian mercenaries after French forces and the UN peacekeeping mission withdrew.
