Mali’s army reported that coordinated armed attacks occurred on Saturday morning in the capital Bamako and several other regions. According to the military, terrorist groups launched assaults on multiple army barracks, prompting ongoing counter-operations. Explosions and sustained gunfire were heard near the main military base in Kati, known as the residence of military ruler General Assimi Goïta. Fighting was also reported in the central town of Sévaré and the northern cities of Kidal and Gao. Heavy weapons fire was heard near Bamako’s Modibo Keita International Airport, where a helicopter was seen patrolling.

Mali, rich in gold and other minerals, has faced more than a decade of armed unrest. Following two military coups in 2020 and 2021, the country severed ties with France and expelled French troops and the UN peacekeeping mission. In July last year, the military government confirmed Goïta as president for five years, with the term renewable without elections.

The attacks come as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—three military-led states—continue joint security efforts under the Alliance of Sahel States to combat armed groups in the region.