Fresh violence has hit Mali as terrorists launched coordinated attacks across the country, including an army base near Bamako.
Explosions and gunfire were reported in the early hours of Saturday at a military installation outside the capital, causing panic and heightened security alerts across surrounding areas.
The Malian military said it responded swiftly and regained control of the situation, adding that suspected al-Qaeda and Islamic State-linked militants were behind the assault.
In a statement, the army confirmed that “fighting is ongoing”, noting that defence and security forces remain engaged in repelling the attackers.
The attacks also disrupted operations at Mali’s main airport in Bamako, which was temporarily shut down as security forces moved to stabilise the situation.
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, expressed deep concern over the incident, condemning the attacks and warning of the risk to civilian lives.
Similarly, the United States Bureau of African Affairs condemned the violence, extending condolences to victims and reaffirming support for Mali and its government.
Mali has faced persistent insecurity linked to extremist groups operating in the Sahel region in recent years.
The country has also experienced political instability following military coups in 2020 and 2021 that led to the dissolution of political parties and a prolonged transitional period.
