Mali’s army is fighting back after simultaneous assaults on military positions in Bamako, Sevare, Gao and Kidal. Residents are sheltering in place as fighting continues.
BY PC Power
April 25, 2026 — Mali’s military junta is battling unidentified armed groups following a wave of coordinated attacks that struck the capital, Bamako, the key military base at Kati, and several other cities early Saturday, sending shockwaves across the volatile West African nation.
Two powerful explosions, followed by sustained gunfire, were reported shortly before 6:00 am local time near the main military base in Kati, a garrison town outside Bamako that serves as a stronghold of junta leader General Assimi Goïta. Witnesses said security forces quickly sealed off roads, while residents described panic, damaged homes, and families taking shelter indoors.
Gunfire was also reported near Modibo Keïta International Airport in Bamako, with witnesses and media reports indicating the use of automatic weapons and heavy fire. Helicopters were seen patrolling the skies as security forces mounted a response.
Multi-City Assault
Mali’s armed forces confirmed the attacks in an official statement, saying military positions in both the capital and interior regions were targeted. Fighting was reported in multiple locations, including Kati, Sévaré in central Mali, and the northern cities of Gao and Kidal, as well as areas around Bamako and the Mopti region.
A spokesperson for the Azawad Liberation Front, a Tuareg-led rebel alliance, claimed on social media that its fighters had seized positions in Kidal and Gao, though these claims remain unverified.
No group has officially claimed responsibility. However, analysts suggest possible involvement of jihadist groups such as Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an al-Qaeda-linked faction that has stepped up attacks against the junta in recent months.
International Alerts
The United States Embassy in Mali advised its citizens to remain indoors and avoid the Kati and airport areas. Other diplomatic missions are also closely monitoring the situation.
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Mali has been under military rule since coups in 2020 and 2021 brought General Goïta to power. The junta continues to face multiple challenges, including a persistent jihadist insurgency, separatist tensions in the north, and economic strain.
In late 2025, JNIM imposed a fuel blockade on Bamako by targeting supply routes from neighbouring countries, severely disrupting daily life in the capital. Although supplies have partially resumed, insecurity remains widespread.
Saturday’s attacks mark a significant escalation, striking key strategic locations, including the junta’s stronghold in Kati. Malian forces, often supported by Russian mercenary units near critical installations such as the airport, are now engaged in ongoing operations to contain the situation.
As of late morning, fighting was still reported in several areas. Authorities have not released casualty figures, and the extent of damage remains unclear. The military has urged calm while promising further updates.
The developments highlight the fragile security environment in Mali and the wider Sahel region, where armed groups continue to exploit political instability and weak governance.
