A series of attacks by armed groups took place across five locations in Mali over the weekend, according to reports from the Malian Army. These assaults occurred more than two months after a significant attack on the capital city, Bamako. The targets included a northern location where Malian soldiers are stationed alongside Russian fighters, as well as a town located south of the capital. Combat began around 5:00 AM local time (7:00 AM German time).
Mali has been facing persistent turmoil for years, stemming from various uprisings by heavily armed factions. These groups include militant wings linked to both al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, along with a separatist conflict in the north. These separatists assert that they are fighting for an independent state.
The attacks conducted on Saturday represent one of the most recent escalations against the government of the Sahelian country, which has been led by the military since a coup. Earlier this year, in April, rebels launched attacks that included targeting the Bamako airport, the killing of the Minister of Defense, and capturing several army bases in the north.
