Central Mali is reeling from a brutal wave of jihadist attacks, with at least 70 lives lost in recent days. The Al-Qaeda-linked JNIM has claimed responsibility for the coordinated assaults, which targeted villages that resisted their control. This escalating violence follows earlier deadly incidents and a prison raid, highlighting the persistent threat in the region.
According to a government statement, Gen. Sadio Camara’s residence was targeted by a suicide car bomber and other jihadist attackers on Saturday.
Armed groups launched coordinated attacks across Mali on Saturday-Sunday, with the separatist Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) and jihadist JNIM claiming a joint operation. Attacks targeted Bamako, Kati, Gao, Sevare, Mopti and Kidal. The FLA claims control of Kidal and Gao's gates, while Mali's military says it has routed terrorist groups with several hundred killed. Fighting continues in Kidal where Russian mercenaries remain. A curfew is in place in Bamako and the UK has advised against all travel to Mali.
Multiple coordinated attacks by the separatist Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) and jihadist group JNIM have struck Mali, targeting military bases in Kati and northern cities including Gao and Kidal. The assault marks the largest coordinated jihadist attack on Mali in years, according to analysts. Mali's military is engaged in fighting to repel attackers, while the capital's airport has been closed and foreign governments have advised against travel to the country.
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.
