Armed Groups Attack Five Towns Across Mali

Armed groups launched coordinated attacks on Saturday against government positions in five Malian towns, the army said. The targets included Aguelhok, Anefis, Gao, Sevare and Kenieroba. The strikes came more than two months after earlier raids that hit the capital and northern bases. Fighting began around 5 a.m. local time, according to security sources.

A separatist Tuareg-led group said its fighters attacked Anefis in the northeastern Kidal region. The town is one of the last sites where the army maintains a presence after losing other positions in April. Residents reported that armed groups had entered the town while the army continued resistance at the military camp. Explosions and gunfire continued into the day.

The source of the attack was not immediately identified. In Sevare, explosions were heard around 5 a.m. and several aircraft were later seen overhead. In Kenieroba, 74 km south of Bamako, a prison complex came under assault.

The latest attacks follow the seizure of several northern army bases in April.