An Al-Qaeda-linked jihadist group announced on Saturday that its fighters had joined forces with Tuareg rebels to launch coordinated attacks against the army across junta-ruled Mali. Helicopters flew over Bamako and the international airport, while fighting was reported at a nearby military base in what analysts described as one of the most complex attacks in years in the impoverished West African country.
Background of the Conflict
Since 2012, Mali has faced a severe security crisis involving attacks by jihadist groups, criminal organizations, and separatists. The junta, which came to power through coups in 2020 and 2021, claimed it was taking control to more effectively combat the jihadists. However, violence has persisted, resulting in thousands of deaths and tens of thousands of people fleeing to neighboring countries.
Details of the Attacks
On Saturday, the Malian army reported that it was battling what it called "terrorist groups" that had launched surprise dawn attacks around the capital Bamako and other regions. The Tuareg rebels of the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) coalition claimed they had seized the northern city of Kidal. The jihadist Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM) issued a statement saying the day's attacks were a joint operation with the Tuareg FLA. "Together, we are carrying out a veritable transformation, in the service of religion, of the country and of the people," the statement added.
JNIM claimed its forces had attacked the homes of junta leader General Assimi Goita and Defense Minister General Sadio Camara, as well as Bamako international airport and other targets. Witnesses reported intense fighting in Kati, a town near the capital where Goita resides, and other key cities. Video footage posted online showed armed jihadists moving through the town's streets.
Analysts' Assessment
Analysts confirmed the scale of the attacks, which they said targeted both the Malian army and the Africa Corps, the Russian military unit supporting them. Charlie Werb of Aldebaran Threat Consultants stated, "We're looking at a major coordinated offensive across the country on a level unseen since 2012 when the government lost half the country."
A Malian army statement said: "Terrorist groups... early this morning targeted certain points and barracks in the capital and the interior." Russia's foreign ministry estimated about 250 fighters attacked Bamako's airport and the nearby military base, claiming the attack was repelled. "The Russian side expresses deep concern over the unfolding events," the ministry wrote on Telegram.
Continued Fighting
The fighting, which began at dawn, continued through Saturday afternoon on the outskirts of Bamako and in several other cities, particularly Kidal. African Union chair Mahmoud Ali Youssouf denounced the violence, which risks "exposing civilian populations to significant harm." The junta reported that 16 civilians and soldiers were injured and there was "limited material damage," adding that "the situation is fully under control in all the localities" targeted.
Fighting in Key Cities
Fighting was reported around Bamako, at Gao and Kidal in the north, and in the central city of Sevare. One resident said jihadists had taken a military camp in the Samakebougou neighborhood of Kati and that there was "heavy" fighting. The junta chief's whereabouts were unknown. There was intense speculation over Defense Minister General Sadio Camara after residents reported a powerful blast destroyed most of his home in Kati. Camara's entourage insisted he was "safe." The capital's streets were deserted amid sporadic firing, according to an AFP correspondent.
Control of Kidal
The Tuareg FLA said in a Facebook statement that "Kidal has come under the control of our armed forces." FLA spokesman Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadane told AFP: "Our FLA troops control Kidal, most of Kidal. The governor of Kidal has taken refuge with his men in the former camp of MINUSMA," referring to the former United Nations mission in Mali. JNIM also claimed the capture of Kidal, together with the FLA.
Strategic Implications
Hazret Kargin, Africa specialist at intelligence firm Mintel World, noted, "The chances of recapturing towns like Kidal and Gao without military air support are very low." Russia's Africa Corps, an organization under direct control of the Russian defense ministry, has taken over from the mercenary Wagner group in helping Malian forces fight jihadists. Mali possesses resources including gold and other valuable minerals. The country's rulers, like their military counterparts in neighboring Niger and Burkina Faso, have severed ties with former colonial ruler France and several Western countries, moving closer to Russia.
