Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — April 25, 2026 A series of coordinated attacks have engulfed Mali, with the capital Bamako and other key regions facing intense violence as reported by the country’s military.
The attacks, which commenced early Saturday, have targeted military installations and have led to widespread disruption and fear among the populace.
In Bamako, witnesses have described a scene of chaos with explosions and continuous gunfire around the Kati military base, a crucial facility just outside the capital.
The violence has prompted the cancellation of flights into the city, raising concerns about the safety of the airport and the broader situation.
The coordinated nature of the attacks implies a well — organized operation, with targets including military sites in Kati, Sevare, Gao, and Kidal. Despite the unrest, no specific group has yet claimed responsibility for the assaults.
The Azawad Liberation Front (ALF) has claimed control of positions in Kidal and Gao, hinting at a potential role in the coordinated strikes. Mali’s security landscape has been fraught with challenges for over a decade, marked by a jihadist insurgency and a Tuareg-led rebellion in the north. Since the military junta, led by General Assimi Goïta, took power in 2020, promising to restore security, Mali has employed Russian mercenaries to combat insecurity.
However, these measures have been criticized for human rights abuses and the suppression of political dissent.
The international community has voiced concern over Mali’s deteriorating security situation, with the US Embassy in Mali advising citizens to shelter in place and avoid travel.
The coordinated attacks underscore the nation’s ongoing security challenges and the uncertainty surrounding the attackers’identities and motivations.
As Mali grapples with this new wave of violence, the international community is watching closely to observe the government’s response and the potential for increased violence.
The Malian army has appealed to the population to remain calm and vigilant, as further information regarding the attackers and the extent of the damage is anticipated.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: BBC Africa
