Coordinated insurgent attacks reported across Mali

Militant groups, including the Al-Qaeda-linked JNIM and the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA), launched coordinated attacks across Mali. Targets in the capital, Bamako, included the presidential headquarters, the residence of Defense Minister Sadio Camara, and the international airport, as well as military facilities in Kati. Conflicting reports emerged regarding the status of the Defense Minister, with some sources claiming he was killed, while the military government stated they have the situation under control. The FLA rebels also announced they have captured the strategic northern city of Kidal. The military junta, in power since 2020, claims to be neutralizing the attackers. International entities, including the U.S. Embassy and the UN, have issued security warnings to their staff. Analysts characterize the offensive as the largest coordinated assault in the country since 2012.