politics
April 26, 2026
Mali hit by wave of coordinated terrorist raids
Heavy fighting erupted in Mali after a wave of attacks by regional al-Qaeda affiliate JNIM and the Tuareg-dominated rebel group FLA
TL;DR
- Coordinated attacks by JNIM and FLA occurred on the outskirts of Mali's capital and in several major cities.
- Fighting was reported near Kati, Bamako's airport, Sevare, Gao, and Kidal.
- The Malian army stated it was fighting unidentified terrorist groups and claimed the situation was under control, with 80 militants eliminated.
- JNIM claimed responsibility for attacks on Defense Minister Sadio Camara's residence, military positions in Kati, and Modibo Keita International Airport.
- The FLA claimed to have taken control of the strategically important city of Kidal.
- These attacks followed the African Corps' successful freeing of two hostages held by JNIM.
- The Sahel region has been gripped by a jihadist insurgency since 2012.
- Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) with Russia's support.
- Russia condemned the attacks and suggested Western powers might have trained the terrorists.
- Moscow accused France of attempting to destabilize the region and eliminate undesirable leaders.
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