Terrorists stage simultaneous attacks in Mali, authorities say | World News

Terrorists have carried out attacks in various locations across Mali, according to the country’s army.

Gunfire and helicopters were heard early this morning outside the capital, Bamako, near Kati military base and the international airport.

Similar scenes were also reported in the towns of Sevare and Kidal and the city of Gao.

“There’s gunfire everywhere,” ​a witness in Sevare said, while a resident in Gao told Associated Press their house was shaking due to the “force of the explosions”.

Mali‘s army said fighting was ongoing after unidentified “terrorist” groups attacked several positions in ⁠the capital and elsewhere.

Al Qaeda and Islamic State affiliates operate in the West African country, while a Tuareg-led rebellion has long rumbled on in the north.

It’s currently unclear who is behind Saturday’s attacks.

A spokesperson for the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA), a Tuareg-dominated alliance, said on social media it had taken control ‌of positions in Kidal and Gao.

Meanwhile, security sources told Reuters that regional al Qaeda affiliate Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) was also involved.

JNIM has so far not claimed responsibility but has staged frequent attacks in the country.

Mali’s military leaders promised to boost security after seizing power in coups in 2020 and 2021 but the unrest has continued.

Neighbouring Niger and Burkina Faso have also been battling the terror group affiliates in recent years, with all three countries turning to Russia for help.

Russian mercenaries are understood to be housed at the military base attacked this morning near Bamako.