BAMAKO, Mali — Insurgents launched coordinated attacks across five locations in Mali early Saturday, targeting military positions in the north, central, and southern parts of the country in the latest escalation of the country’s long-running security crisis.
According to Reuters, the attacks struck the northern towns of Anefis and Aguelhoc, the central cities of Gao and Sévaré, and Kenioroba, a town south of the capital, Bamako. Mali’s armed forces confirmed the attacks in a statement broadcast on state television and posted on official social media channels, saying security forces had responded and that the situation was “under control” while military operations continued.
A spokesperson for the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA), a Tuareg-led separatist group, said the organization participated in the attacks. The FLA previously joined forces with the al-Qaeda-linked militant group Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) during coordinated attacks in April that targeted Bamako’s airport and resulted in the death of Mali’s defense minister. There was no immediate claim of responsibility from JNIM for Saturday’s assaults.
The FLA’s spokesperson, Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadane, claimed the group’s fighters had entered Anefis in the northeastern Kidal region, where Malian government forces and Russian military personnel have been stationed since the April offensive. Reuters reported that it was unable to independently verify the claim.
In Gao, local officials reported sustained gunfire and rocket attacks targeting a military installation before dawn. Meanwhile, residents in Sévaré said heavy gunfire was followed by four large explosions in the western part of the city before calm gradually returned later in the morning. Witnesses spoke anonymously because of security concerns.
The attacks also raised concerns in Kenioroba, where a prison housing members of Mali’s political opposition is located. It was not immediately clear whether the detention facility was among the intended targets. Government officials did not immediately provide additional details on casualties or damage.
The latest violence underscores the persistent insecurity facing Mali despite promises by the country’s military leadership to restore stability following the coups of 2020 and 2021. Large areas of northern and central Mali remain contested by jihadist groups linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, as well as Tuareg separatist movements seeking greater autonomy.
Mali has increasingly relied on Russian military support after the withdrawal of French forces and the end of the United Nations peacekeeping mission. However, insurgent groups have continued to demonstrate the ability to launch complex, coordinated attacks against military installations across the country, highlighting the significant security challenges that remain in the Sahel region.
Authorities said military operations were ongoing as security forces worked to secure the affected areas, while residents were urged to remain vigilant and follow official updates as the situation continued to develop.