Militants launched a series of attacks on Saturday morning in Mali, targeting the capital, Bamako, and several other locations within the country, according to reports from the Mali military. These assaults appeared to be orchestrated by multiple groups simultaneously.

Witnesses reported hearing two loud explosions followed by a barrage of gunfire shortly before 6 a.m. near Mali’s primary military installation in Kati, located just outside Bamako. In response, soldiers quickly moved to secure the area by closing off surrounding roads, as observed by a Reuters correspondent.

Similar disturbances were noted around the same time in the central town of Sevare, as well as in Kidal and Gao in the northern regions of Mali. “Gunfire is coming from all directions,” a local resident in Sevare remarked.

The ongoing conflict in Mali involves insurgencies led by West African factions affiliated with al Qaeda and the Islamic State. The nation also faces a prolonged history of rebellions led by Tuareg groups in the northern territories.

In an official statement, Mali’s army reported that unidentified “terrorist” factions had attacked several sites in the capital and other parts of the country, though specific locations were not detailed. They noted that clashes were still in progress and advised the public to stay calm.

The leaders of Mali’s military government, who assumed control following coups in 2020 and 2021, pledged to restore peace and stability. However, militant groups continue to launch frequent assaults on both military personnel and civilians.

Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadane, a spokesperson for the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA), a Tuareg-dominated rebel alliance, said on social media its forces had taken control of multiple positions in Kidal and Gao.

Reuters could not independently verify this claim.

Four security sources said the regional al Qaeda affiliate Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) was also involved in Saturday’s attacks.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility from JNIM, which frequently stages attacks on military installations throughout much of Mali, or from Islamic State ​in the Sahel Province (ISSP).

A government spokesperson and a spokesperson for Mali’s army did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

GUNFIRE HEARD NEAR AIRPORT, RESIDENT SAYS

Gunfire could also be heard early on Saturday near a military camp close to Bamako’s airport that houses Russian mercenary forces, a resident said.

“We hear gunfire towards the military camp. It’s not the airport itself, but the camp that secures the airport,” said the resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity for safety reasons.

The government led by Assimi Goita has leaned on Russian mercenaries for security support while initially spurning defense cooperation with Western countries.

Recently it has pursued closer ties with the US.

Reuters reported in March that Mali and the US were nearing a deal that would allow Washington to resume flying aircraft and drones over the West African country’s airspace to gather intelligence on jihadist groups.