Separatist rebels in Indonesia's Papua region shot dead American pilot Nicholas F Gosselin and set his plane on fire in Yahukimo, stating it was a message to the US and Indonesian governments for failing to address the conflict's root causes.
Papuan separatist rebels claim to have shot dead an American pilot and burned his civilian aircraft in Yahukimo regency, alleging it transported Indonesian military personnel. Indonesian authorities confirmed the burnt aircraft but could not verify the pilot's death or rebel claims, while the separatists called it a "message" to the US and Indonesian governments.
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.
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.
