BAMAKO — Clashes between Malian armed forces and unidentified armed groups continued on Saturday in the capital Bamako and several other regions after coordinated attacks targeted military positions, the army said.In a statement, the Malian military said multiple sites in Bamako and other areas came under attack, triggering heavy fighting, including near the city’s international airport.Witnesses reported hearing gunfire and explosions earlier in the day, although residents in the Senou district later said the shooting had subsided for around two hours.A police source said the airport remained under government control, with security patrols deployed in surrounding areas.However, clashes were reported in parts of the capital’s outskirts, including Mamaribougou, where residents said gunfire continued and armed men were seen in vehicles wearing uniforms different from those of the Malian army.Sources at the Defense Ministry said Defense Minister Sadio Camara was safe after his residence in Kati was targeted.In northern Mali, the Front de Liberation de l’Azawad (FLA) claimed on social media that it had seized several positions in Kidal and Gao.Images circulating online appeared to show the capture of the governor’s residence in Kidal.The United States Embassy in Mali urged American citizens to shelter in place after reports of explosions and gunfire near Kati and Bamako airport.A resident of Kati, identified as Abdoulaye Diarra, said around 10 bodies of suspected attackers had been counted, while tensions remained high.Mali has faced chronic insecurity since 2012, with armed groups frequently targeting military and civilian locations across the country.The country is currently led by transition President Gen. Assimi Goita, who has held power since the military takeover in May 2021.BAMAKO — Clashes between Malian armed forces and unidentified armed groups continued on Saturday in the capital Bamako and several other regions after coordinated attacks targeted military positions, the army said.In a statement, the Malian military said multiple sites in Bamako and other areas came under attack, triggering heavy fighting, including near the city’s international airport.Witnesses reported hearing gunfire and explosions earlier in the day, although residents in the Senou district later said the shooting had subsided for around two hours.A police source said the airport remained under government control, with security patrols deployed in surrounding areas.However, clashes were reported in parts of the capital’s outskirts, including Mamaribougou, where residents said gunfire continued and armed men were seen in vehicles wearing uniforms different from those of the Malian army.Sources at the Defense Ministry said Defense Minister Sadio Camara was safe after his residence in Kati was targeted.In northern Mali, the Front de Liberation de l’Azawad (FLA) claimed on social media that it had seized several positions in Kidal and Gao.Images circulating online appeared to show the capture of the governor’s residence in Kidal.The United States Embassy in Mali urged American citizens to shelter in place after reports of explosions and gunfire near Kati and Bamako airport.A resident of Kati, identified as Abdoulaye Diarra, said around 10 bodies of suspected attackers had been counted, while tensions remained high.Mali has faced chronic insecurity since 2012, with armed groups frequently targeting military and civilian locations across the country.The country is currently led by transition President Gen. Assimi Goita, who has held power since the military takeover in May 2021.
