Jihadist Islamists from an Al-Qaeda-linked group claimed on 25th April that their militants were “uniting with the Tuareg rebels” to attack the army throughout junta-led Mali.

Helicopters buzzed over Bamako and around the international airport, and fighting was reported at a nearby military base in what was one of the most complex attacks in years in the impoverished West African country.

Mali has been grappling since 2012 with a security crisis over attacks by jihadist groups, as well as criminal groups and separatists.

The junta responsible for the 2020 and 2021 coups claimed it did so to fight the jihadists better, but attacks have not abated.

Thousands have been killed since the jihadist unrest began, and tens of thousands have fled to neighbouring nations.

The army said it was fighting “terrorist groups” that attacked without warning and at dawn in the capital Bamako and around the country on Saturday.

Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) Tuareg rebels claimed Kidal in the north, in a bid to capture more territory in Mali’s northern regions. Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) Tuareg rebels took the northern city of Kidal, in a quest to secure additional ground in Mali’s northern regions.

The jihadist Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM) had said that the attacks were part of a joint venture with the Tuareg FLA on Saturday evening.

Together we are realising a complete metamorphosis of the country, in the service of the religion, of the people,” it added.

The statement said its troops have struck the residences of junta leader General Assimi Goita and Defence Minister General Sadio Camara, Bamako international airport and others.

There has been heavy fighting in Kati, a town near the capital where Goita lives, as well as other major cities, according to witnesses. Armed jihadists were seen roaming through the streets of the town in video footage that was shared online.

‘Major coordinated offensive’ 

The attacks were admitted by analysts to have been carried out on both the Malian military and the Russian military force supporting the Malian army, the Africa Corps.

“It’s a big attack on a scale that hasn’t been seen since 2012, when the government lost half the country,” said analyst Charlie Werb of Aldebaran Threat Consultants.

A Malian army statement said: “Terrorist groups… early this morning targeted certain points and barracks in the capital and the interior” of the country.

The conflict began at dawn, but continued Saturday afternoon outside of Bamako and in some other cities, notably Kidal.

The AU chair of state, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, condemned the escalation of violence as it has the potential to “expose civilian populations to significant harm”.

‘Heavy’ fighting

In the central city of Sevare, fighting was reported, along with the cities of Bamako, Gao and Kidal in the north.

A resident reported that jihadists had seized a military camp in the Samakebougou neighbourhood in Kati, and there was “heavy” fighting.

The location of the junta chief was not known.

It was also a big question that surrounded Defence Minister General Sadio Camara as residents reported that most of his house in Kati was destroyed by a strong explosion. Camara’s entourage assured him that he was “safe”.

Shooting was heard at various spots as the capital’s streets emptied, an AFP correspondent reported.

Governor ‘taken refuge’ 

In a Facebook post, the Tuareg FLA stated that its armed forces had taken control of the city of Kidal.

Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadane, an FLA spokesman, told AFP: “Kidal, most of Kidal, is ours; it is under the control of our FLA troops.

The former MINUSMA camp is where the governor of Kidal has taken shelter with his guards,” he continued.

The JNIM also claimed the capture of Kidal, together with the FLA.

Without the use of military aircraft, the prospects for the recapture of towns such as Kidal and Gao are low, said Hazret Kargin, the intelligence firm’s Africa specialist.

Russia’s Africa Corps, an organisation under the direct control of the Russian defence ministry, has taken over from the mercenary Wagner group in helping Malian forces fight jihadists.

Ties severed with the West 

Mali has resources such as gold and other valuable minerals.

Mali’s rulers, like their military counterparts in neighbouring Niger and Burkina Faso, have severed ties with former colonial ruler France and several Western countries, moving closer to Russia.