Bamako, April 26 (SANA) Mali witnessed a serious security escalation after local authorities announced the killing of Defense Minister Gen. Sadio Camara in an attack carried out by militants linked to al-Qaeda, amid conflicting reports over militant movements near the presidential palace in Bamako.
According to AFP, Camara was killed along with several family members when a car bomb targeted his residence inside the military base in Kati, near the capital, causing heavy destruction to the building.
The attack coincided with a second day of heavy clashes in Kati and areas surrounding Bamako, where residents reported sustained gunfire despite army statements saying the situation was under control.
The developments were accompanied by reports of militants movements near the presidential palace and attempts to approach strategic sites.
Mali’s army said Saturday it had repelled coordinated attacks launched by militants linked to al-Qaeda against Bamako and four other cities, claiming that hundreds of attackers had been killed.
No official casualty toll has been released, but government spokesman Gen. Issa Coulibaly said 16 people, including civilians and soldiers, had been wounded.
Amid the unrest, the US Embassy urged its citizens to shelter in place, while the British and German embassies issued similar alerts. Bamako airport was also closed, with several flights canceled or delayed, and authorities in Bamako imposed a three-day nightly curfew.
At the international level, UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the violence and called for a coordinated international response, while the African Union warned of the attacks’ dangers to civilians and regional stability.
Mali has been ruled by military authorities led by Assimi Goïta since coups in 2020 and 2021, amid continuing security challenges despite pledges to restore stability.
Kh.A
