Coordinated terrorist attacks rock Mali's capital, military camps near airport
What's the story
A series of coordinated attacks rocked Mali's capital, Bamako, on Saturday morning. Gunfire and explosions were reported near the Kati military base and a military camp close to the Bamako-Senou International Airport. The Malian Armed Forces said unidentified terrorist groups targeted several strategic points in the capital and other regions. The army is currently engaged in combat with the attackers and has urged citizens to remain calm.
Attack details
Attacks spread to central and northern regions
The attacks were not limited to Bamako. They also spread to central and northern regions, including Sevare, Kidal, and Gao. The Malian army confirmed that several strategic points were targeted almost simultaneously around 6:00am local time. Witnesses in Sevare reported hearing gunfire everywhere while intense fighting was reported in Kidal.
Suspected perpetrators
Al-Qaeda affiliate may be behind attacks
While no group has claimed responsibility for the attacks, security sources suspect Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an al-Qaeda affiliate, may be behind them. The group has a history of targeting military installations across Mali. The country is currently under military rule after coups in 2020 and 2021 brought President Assimi Goita to power.
Government action
Mali turns to Russia for security support
Mali's government has increasingly depended on Russian mercenaries for security support, reducing defense cooperation with Western nations. Recently, Bamako has also looked at renewed engagement with the United States. In March, reports suggested that Mali and Washington were close to an agreement allowing US aircraft and drones to operate over Malian airspace for intelligence-gathering against jihadist groups.