Armed Clashes Erupt at Military Sites in Bamako, Kati, Kidal, and Gao Amid Separatist Activity

Gunmen attacked several locations in Mali's capital Bamako and other cities early Saturday, April 25, 2026, residents and authorities said. Mali's army stated that unidentified armed terrorist groups targeted certain locations and barracks in Bamako. Soldiers were engaged in eliminating the attackers, the army added in its statement.

An Associated Press journalist in Bamako heard sustained heavy weapons and automatic rifle gunfire coming from Modibo Keïta International Airport, which is around 9 miles from the city center. The journalist also saw a helicopter over nearby neighborhoods. The airport is adjacent to an air base used by Mali's air force.

A resident living near the airport reported gunfire and three helicopters patrolling overhead. Mali's army stated in a later statement that the situation was under control. @CBSNews reported these developments based on accounts from residents and authorities.

Residents in other cities in Mali reported gunfire and blasts on Saturday morning, April 25, 2026. A resident of Kati reported being woken up early in the morning by the sounds of gunfire and explosions on April 25, 2026. Kati is a town near Bamako that is home to Mali's main military base.

Gen. Assimi Goita, the leader of Mali's military junta, resides in Kati. Videos on social media showed militant convoys in trucks and motorcycles moving through the deserted streets of Kati. @CBSNews highlighted these videos as part of the coverage of the events.

Videos in the northern towns of Kidal and Gao showed gunfire exchanges in the streets with dead bodies lying on the ground. Gunmen entered Kidal, taking control of some neighborhoods and leading to exchanges of fire with the army, according to a former mayor of Kidal.