Coordinated assaults on military infrastructure reported across Mali as fighting continues in capital

The Malian army has confirmed that unidentified armed groups, which the military describes as terrorist organisations, launched coordinated attacks on military positions across the nation on Saturday. The violence targeted critical infrastructure including the Modibo Keïta International Airport in the capital, Bamako, as well as the cities of Kati, Gao, and Sevare.

Witnesses and journalists confirmed the intensity of the engagement near the primary airport and the main military camp in Bamako. Gunfire and two explosions were heard in these areas, with reports indicating sustained heavy weapons and automatic rifle fire. Helicopters were observed patrolling neighbourhoods near the airport during the incident, suggesting a significant aerial response to the ground-level threats.

Beyond the capital, the violence extended to other strategic points within the country. Confirmed attacks were reported in Kati, the residence of military ruler General Assimi Goïta, as well as in Gao, the primary northern city, and Sevare in the centre of the landlocked nation. These incidents underscore the persistent security challenges facing the state under the current military administration.

The specific identities of the armed groups remain unconfirmed by the army in this report, though the military has historically identified these groups as affiliates of jihadist networks. The situation is fluid, with fighting ongoing at the time of reporting, meaning casualty figures and tactical outcomes may change rapidly.

Reports rely heavily on witness accounts and army statements, with ground-level verification of all claimed targets still in progress. The full extent of casualties and material damage has not yet been quantified, leaving the immediate human and economic cost of the assault unclear.