Mali has been struck by coordinated attacks on Saturday, with reports of gunfire and explosions.
Loud explosions were reportedly heard shortly before 6am near the Kati military base on the outskirts of Bamako, the country’s capital, followed by sustained gunfire.
The base is located in the suburb where junta leader Assimi Goita resides.
Soldiers were also seen blocking roads around the area as the situation unfolded.
Gunfire was also reported near a military camp close to Bamako’s airport, where Russian mercenary forces are believed to be based.
The violence was not limited to the capital as similar attacks were reported around the same time in the central town of Sevare and the northern cities of Gao and Kidal.
Heavy fighting was also reported in Kati and other strategic locations, with residents describing intense exchanges of gunfire.
Mali’s armed forces confirmed in as statement that “unidentified armed terrorist groups targeted certain locations and barracks in the capital and the interior early this morning”.
“Fighting is ongoing. We call on the public to remain calm and vigilant. Our defence and security forces are currently engaged in eliminating the attackers. We will provide further updates as more information becomes available. United, we will prevail,” the statement reads.
The army later said the attackers were “immediately met with strong resistance” and that “several terrorists were neutralised,” adding that clearing operations were continuing and the situation was under control.
Military sources said they suspect the involvement of Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an al-Qaeda-linked group considered the most active armed faction in the Sahel
