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Capital Bamako and several other locations hit in an apparently coordinated assault involving multiple groups.
Published On 25 Apr 2026
Gunmen have launched an attack on Mali’s capital, Bamako, and various other regions across the country, according to the army. This coordinated assault involves multiple groups targeting military installations.
On Saturday morning, the military reported active engagements with “terrorist groups” that had struck army barracks in Bamako and elsewhere in the military-run nation.
Shortly before 6 a.m. (06:00 GMT), two loud explosions and persistent gunfire were heard near Mali’s primary military base, Kati, located outside Bamako, which is home to military leader General Assimi Goita.
Similar disturbances were reported simultaneously in the central town of Sevare, as well as in Kidal and Gao in northern Mali.
“There’s gunfire everywhere,” a witness shared with Reuters news agency.
An Associated Press journalist present in Bamako noted the deployment of heavy weaponry and automatic rifle fire near Modibo Keita International Airport, approximately 15 km (9 miles) from the city center. A helicopter was seen patrolling the adjacent neighborhoods.
Mali, a nation endowed with gold and other precious minerals, has been grappling with over a decade of armed conflict. It has faced assaults from al-Qaeda and ISIL (ISIS) affiliates operating in West Africa, as well as a long-standing Tuareg-led insurrection in the northern region.
Following two military coups in 2020 and 2021, Bamako severed ties with its former colonial power, France, and expelled French military forces along with United Nations peacekeeping troops.
In July of the previous year, military authorities awarded coup leader Goita a five-year term as president, which can be extended “as many times as necessary” without the need for elections.
A month earlier, Russia’s Wagner Group, which has supported Malian forces in their fight against armed factions since 2021, announced the conclusion of its mission. Subsequently, it has transitioned into the Africa Corps, coming under the direct authority of the Russian Ministry of Defence.
In collaboration with Burkina Faso and Niger—also governed by military regimes supported by Russian mercenaries—Mali established the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) in 2023.
These three nations have formed a joint military battalion aimed at combating armed groups throughout the Sahel region.
Key Takeaways
- Mali’s capital, Bamako, and several other regions experienced a coordinated attack by armed groups.
- The military is actively engaged in combat against terrorist factions targeting military installations.
- Violence has been reported at multiple locations, including Kati, Sevare, Kidal, and Gao.
- Heavy weaponry and automatic gunfire have been observed near strategic points in Bamako.
- Mali has faced over a decade of armed conflict, including assaults by al-Qaeda and ISIL.
- The nation has built military alliances with neighboring Burkina Faso and Niger under the AES.
FAQ
What prompted the recent attacks in Mali?
The coordinated assaults appear to be a concerted effort by multiple armed groups targeting military facilities across the country.
How has the government responded to the attacks?
Mali’s military is engaged in active combat against the attacking groups and has reported heavy fighting in several regions.
What is the historical context of violence in Mali?
Mali has been struggling with armed conflict for over ten years, including insurgencies from al-Qaeda and ISIL affiliates.
What is the Alliance of Sahel States?
The Alliance of Sahel States is a collaborative military initiative formed by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to combat regional security threats.
How did Mali’s political landscape change recently?
After two military coups in 2020 and 2021, Mali severed ties with France and has since been governed by a military regime.
