The capital of Mali, Bamako, is shaking from explosions and intense gunfire. It seems that jihadist groups have launched large-scale coordinated attacks across the state. Reports of clashes are also coming from Gao, Kidal in the north, and Sevare in the central part, which analysts believe is the largest jihadist offensive in many years.
The capital of Mali, Bamako, has become the epicenter of events: explosions and intense gunfire can be heard here. Apparently, jihadist groups have launched a series of coordinated attacks across the country.
In a statement on Saturday, the military confirmed the continuation of hostilities, emphasizing: "Our defense and security forces are currently engaged in repelling the attack." Witnesses reported to Reuters about explosions and gunfire near the large military base in Kati, located outside the capital. Military personnel quickly blocked roads in the area.
Moreover, there are reports of clashes in the northern regions of Gao and Kidal, as well as in the central part of the country, in Sevare. Observers believe this represents the most significant jihadist attack in recent years.
Conflicting Information
A local resident returning to Bamako from Ethiopia told the BBC that all flights to the city were canceled early Saturday morning. It remains unclear whether reports of the attacks affected the functioning of the airport.
The U.S. Embassy in Mali urged its citizens to stay home and refrain from traveling. This is due to reports of explosions and gunfire at Modibo Keita International Airport in Bamako, as well as nearby Kati.
Although many residents of Bamako report calm in most areas, gunfire can be heard in certain parts of the city. According to available information, checkpoints have been established on the approaches to the airport, where vehicles are being inspected.
Ulf Lessing, head of the regional Sahel program at the Konrad Adenauer Foundation in Mali, stated in an interview with the BBC that the current incident is likely "the largest coordinated jihadist attack on Mali in recent years."
The Malian military announced a fight against unidentified "terrorist groups," claiming that the situation is under control. However, numerous reports indicate ongoing fighting.
Video footage actively circulated on social media suggests possible involvement of the jihadist group "Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin" (JNIM) in these attacks. Rebels from the Tuareg Liberation Front (FLA) are also mentioned.
FLA spokesman Mohamed Elmaulud Ramadan reported via social media that the rebels have taken control of several positions in Gao and Kidal. He also called on neighboring Burkina Faso and Niger not to interfere. The BBC has no confirmation of these statements from the Tuareg representative.
Three Countries, Three Juntas
Currently, Mali is under the control of a military junta led by General Assimi Goita, who came to power following a coup in 2020. The junta initially enjoyed broad popular support. It promised to find a way out of the protracted crisis and restore security in the country.
The main threat to central authority comes from the separatist uprising of ethnic Tuaregs in the north and jihadists from the JNIM group, which is friendly to "Al-Qaeda."
In 2013, a UN peacekeeping mission and French troops were deployed to counter the escalation of the insurgency in Mali. However, they left the country after the junta came to power. The military government then recruited Russian mercenaries from the Wagner Group, who were later replaced by the "African Corps."
Nevertheless, the jihadist insurgency shows no signs of weakening. Significant territories in the north and east of the country remain outside government control.
