Coordinated attacks across Mali hit military and strategic sites in the capital region and several northern cities early Saturday, with Islamist militants and separatist fighters later claiming responsibility for one of the most widespread offensives in the country in years. Two explosions and sustained gunfire were reported near the Kati military base outside Bamako, which serves as a key installation for Mali’s military leadership, including junta leader Assimi Goïta. His whereabouts were not immediately confirmed, according to early reports cited by security officials and regional media. Th

Coordinated attacks across Mali hit military and strategic sites in the capital region and several northern cities early Saturday, with Islamist militants and separatist fighters later claiming responsibility for one of the most widespread offensives in the country in years.

Two explosions and sustained gunfire were reported near the Kati military base outside Bamako, which serves as a key installation for Mali’s military leadership, including junta leader Assimi Goïta. His whereabouts were not immediately confirmed, according to early reports cited by security officials and regional media.

The residence of Defense Minister Sadio Camara in Kati was also destroyed during the assault, witnesses said. Camara’s entourage later said he was safe and had not been home at the time.

In Bamako, heavy gunfire and explosions were reported near Modibo Keïta International Airport, forcing the suspension of flight operations and the cancellation of arrivals and departures as security forces moved to secure the area. The U.S. Embassy issued a shelter-in-place alert, warning of ongoing gunfire and explosions near both the airport and Kati.

Attacks were also reported in Sevare, Mopti, Gao, and Kidal.

The al-Qaida-linked group Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) later claimed responsibility, saying it carried out the attacks in coordination with the Tuareg-led Azawad Liberation Front (FLA). In a statement, JNIM listed targets including Goïta’s residence, the Defense Minister’s home, and Bamako’s international airport.

Both JNIM and the FLA claimed their forces had taken control of Kidal and parts of Gao, areas previously retaken by Malian forces and Russian mercenaries in 2023. Reuters and Al Jazeera said they could not independently verify the claims.

A United Nations security assessment said the attacks unfolded simultaneously across multiple regions, including Bamako, Kati, Mopti, Gao, and Kidal.

Reports also indicated that Russian Africa Corps personnel were engaged in fighting around key positions in Bamako, including near the airport where they maintain a presence, though full details of their involvement remain unclear.

Mali’s army said shortly after 11 a.m. that the situation was under control, though it added that sweeping operations were ongoing across affected areas.

The attacks come amid Mali’s prolonged insurgency that began in 2012, involving jihadist groups and Tuareg separatists, following the withdrawal of French forces and expanded Russian security cooperation.

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