Mali has been hit by a wave of coordinated attacks across multiple regions, with explosions and sustained gunfire reported in the capital, Bamako, and several key cities, marking one of the most significant escalations of violence in recent years.
The Malian military confirmed that operations were underway to repel the assaults, stating that some militants had already retreated. However, fighting has continued in several مناطق, including Kati, Gao, Sevare, Mopti, and the northern city of Kidal, where clashes resumed into Sunday.
The attacks are believed to be the result of a rare alliance between separatist and jihadist forces. The Azawad Liberation Front (FLA), which seeks an independent Tuareg state in northern Mali, reportedly coordinated with the Islamist group Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an al-Qaeda-affiliated organization.
A spokesperson for the FLA said the operation had been planned for months and involved close coordination with JNIM, highlighting the growing complexity of Mali’s security crisis. JNIM also confirmed its role in the joint offensive.
Analysts have described the assault as the largest coordinated jihadist attack in Mali in years, underscoring the persistent instability in the Sahel region.
While Mali’s military claimed to have repelled the attackers and inflicted heavy losses, these assertions remain unverified, and reports indicate that clashes are ongoing in several المناطق. Rebel forces have claimed partial control in areas such as Kidal and key entry points in Gao, though government troops and allied fighters continue to resist.
In response to the violence, security has been tightened in Bamako, with checkpoints set up on major roads and a temporary curfew imposed. Bamako International Airport has also been closed, and international authorities, including the United Kingdom, have advised against all travel to the country.
Global leaders and organizations have strongly condemned the attacks. The African Union expressed deep concern over the potential harm to civilians, while United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres called for coordinated international support to address the growing threat of extremism and the humanitarian challenges in the region.
Mali, currently governed by a military junta led by General Assimi Goïta following a 2020 coup, has struggled to contain insurgent violence despite shifting alliances and the involvement of foreign forces, including Russian mercenaries. Large parts of northern and eastern Mali remain outside government control.
The latest attacks highlight the ongoing challenges facing Mali’s leadership as it grapples with entrenched militant groups and a fragile security environment.