Mali rocked by coordinated attacks; al-Qaida-linked JNIM claims responsibility

Mali — Ekhbary News Agency

Militant groups and separatists launched coordinated attacks across multiple locations in Mali's capital, Bamako, and other cities on Saturday, marking one of the most significant synchronized assaults in recent years. The al-Qaida-linked Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) claimed responsibility for the strikes on Bamako's international airport and four other cities in central and northern Mali via its Az-Zallaqa website. The group stated the attacks were a joint operation with the Azawad Liberation Front, a Tuareg-led separatist organization.

Security Forces Engage Militants Amidst Widespread Unrest

The Malian army confirmed in a statement that "unidentified armed terrorist groups targeted certain locations and barracks" in Bamako, adding that soldiers were actively "engaged in eliminating the attackers." A subsequent statement indicated the situation was brought under control. An Associated Press journalist in Bamako reported hearing sustained heavy weapons and automatic rifle fire originating from Modibo Keïta International Airport, approximately 9 miles (15km) from the city center, with helicopters observed over nearby residential areas. The airport is situated adjacent to an airbase utilized by the Malian Air Force. Residents near the airport also reported gunfire and aerial patrols by three helicopters. The US embassy in Bamako issued a security alert, citing reports of explosions and gunfire near Kati and the international airport, advising US citizens to shelter in place and avoid travel. Residents in Kati, a town near Bamako housing Mali's main military base where junta leader Gen. Assimi Goita resides, reported being awakened by gunfire and explosions. The residence of Mali's defense minister, Sadio Camara, sustained heavy damage from an explosion during the attack, according to a nearby shopkeeper who spoke anonymously for fear of reprisals.