Mali’s government reports rebel attacks across north of the country, targeting major cities

Malian authorities reported rebel attacks on several northern towns, including the major cities of Gao and Sévaré, on Saturday. Concurrently, the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA), a rebel group, announced a new offensive targeting the northern town of Anefis. The FLA has been fighting for years to establish an independent state in northern Mali. This region has also seen insurgencies from militants affiliated with al-Qaida and the Islamic State group. The article notes that Mali, along with neighboring Niger and Burkina Faso, has seen a worsening security situation despite seeking Russian assistance after turning away from Western allies following military coups. In late April, a joint attack by the FLA and the al-Qaida affiliate JNIM resulted in the death of the defense minister and the seizure of several northern towns.

A Tuareg-led armed group, the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA), claimed responsibility for attacks on multiple locations across Mali on Saturday. The FLA stated its fighters targeted Anefis in the northeastern Kidal region, a town where Malian troops and Russian fighters are reportedly based. The Malian army confirmed attacks in five areas: Aguelhok, Anefis, Gao, Sevare, and Kenieroba. Residents and security sources reported that a prison in Kenieroba was attacked. The FLA's spokesperson indicated that several positions had fallen in Anefis, though fighting was ongoing. Anefis and Aguelhok are noted as the last remaining locations with a Malian army presence in the Kidal region following earlier attacks in April.

Russian paramilitary forces, identified as the Kremlin-controlled Africa Corps, conducted air strikes near Mali's capital, Bamako, in response to a significant rebel offensive. Footage verified by BBC Verify shows these strikes targeting rebel troops in the town of Kati. The offensive, launched on Saturday by jihadist and Tuareg separatist forces, also resulted in the death of Mali's Defense Minister, Sadio Camara. While the paramilitaries claim a large number of fighters participated, they have reportedly withdrawn from Kidal in northern Mali, a key operational base. This escalation marks a major development in Mali's decade-long conflict against various rebel groups, including JNIM and the FLA, with rebels now targeting major cities.