Coordinated attacks struck multiple locations across northern and central Mali on Saturday, including several towns and a prison. The Malian army confirmed that targets included major cities such as Gao and Sévaré, as well as a prison in Kenieroba. In Gao, residents reported gunfire and rockets launched at a military camp.
Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadane, spokesperson for the Tuareg-led Azawad Liberation Front (FLA), announced an offensive to capture the town of Anefis in the northeastern Kidal region. This location is home to Malian government troops and Russian paramilitary forces. While some targets were described as diversions, Anefis is considered a strategically important objective.
The assaults were carried out by the separatist Tuareg-led group and regional al-Qaeda affiliates. These attacks come months after a series of high-profile strikes in April that targeted the Bamako airport, killed the defense minister, and resulted in the seizure of army bases in the north.
The Malian army stated that it has since regained control following the coordinated assaults by Tuareg rebels and Islamists.