Mali junta in crisis after defence minister is killed and key city ‘captured’

Mali's military junta is facing a severe security crisis following coordinated attacks by jihadist and separatist groups over the weekend. The defense minister was killed during these assaults, and the key northern town of Kidal was reportedly captured by rebels. The offensive, launched by the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) and the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), targeted multiple locations across Mali. The junta leader, General Assimi Goita, has not been seen publicly since the attacks began on Saturday. The synchronized nature of the attacks highlights a significant challenge to the ruling military government.