Mali army says armed groups launch coordinated attacks across country

[muriel_volestrangler]

Armed groups have launched coordinated attacks across Mali, including in the capital Bamako, the country's army says.

In a statement released on Saturday morning, the military said "fighting is ongoing", adding "our defence and security forces are currently engaged in repelling the attackers".

Witnesses have told the Reuters news agency of explosions and sustained gunfire early on Saturday morning around the Kati military base, a major installation outside the capital. Soldiers have been deployed to block off roads in the area.
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The US Embassy in Mali has advised citizens to shelter in place and avoid travel, citing explosions and gunfire around the Modibo Keita International Airport in Bamako and near Kati.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/clyx7nnrkqdo

[muriel_volestrangler]

1. Mali defence minister killed in rebel attacks, reports say

The family of Mali's defence minister has said he was killed in an apparent suicide truck bombing on his residence near the capital Bamako.

Multiple news outlets reported the death of Sadio Camara, part of a wave of coordinated attacks by jihadist militants and separatists carried out across the country.
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On Sunday, clashes between the FLA and the Malian government resumed in Kidal.

Shortly after these reports, Ramadane said: "An agreement was reached between the Azawad forces and the Russian elements of the Africa Corps with a view to ensuring their secure withdrawal from the fighting."

In later updates, he said they were "permanently withdrawing from Kidal" and "Kidal is now free". There has been no confirmation of these claims from Mali's military.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5yvy7v66ndo

[muriel_volestrangler]

2. 'How are we going to get back home?' Islamist group tightens blockade on Mali capital

Mali's capital city Bamako - a major West African hub and home to more than three million people - is under a partial blockade by Islamist militants, days after the country's defence minister was assassinated there.
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It follows Wednesday's warning by fighters from the group Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) that "no-one will be allowed in any more".

Last year, the Islamist groups imposed a fuel blockade on the city, causing shortages and a sharp increase in prices but they have now ordered a total blockade, leaving residents worried.

Eyewitnesses told the BBC that at least three of the six main routes into the city are now closed for hours at a time before the fighters move elsewhere. While they're gone, some vehicles manage to slowly get through.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cg4pq3zxnpqo