FLA and JNIM Forces Launch Attacks on Malian Military Sites in Bamako and Northern Regions

Larger numbers of militants entered Mali’s capital of Bamako on the morning of April 25, 2026, as elements of the Malian Army and Africa Corps collapsed across Mali upon contact with the FLA and JNIM. Mali’s army stated that unidentified armed terrorist groups attacked several military positions in the capital Bamako and in the country’s interior on April 25, 2026.

The army also stated that militants staged attacks in Mali's capital Bamako and in several locations in the interior of the country on the morning of April 25, 2026.

M. on April 25, 2026, near Mali's main military base Kati outside the capital Bamako, according to a Reuters witness.

Journalists reported hearing gunfire at Mali’s international airport in Bamako on April 25, 2026. Two explosions and sustained gunfire were heard near Mali’s main military camp and several other locations across Mali on April 25, 2026, according to witnesses and journalists.

Gunfire was heard early on April 25, 2026, near a military camp close to Bamako's airport that houses Russian mercenary forces, according to a resident. Unrest occurred at around the same time as the Bamako attack on April 25, 2026, in the central town of Sevare. Similar unrest took place in the town of Kidal and in the city of Gao in northern Mali.

Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadane, spokesperson for the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA), stated that FLA forces took control of multiple positions in Kidal and Gao on April 25, 2026. Four security sources stated that Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) was involved in the attacks on April 25, 2026.

Mali is battling insurgencies by the West Africa affiliates of al Qaeda and Islamic State, alongside a longer history of Tuareg-led rebellion in the north. The government led by Assimi Goita has relied on Russian mercenaries for security support while initially avoiding defense cooperation with Western countries.

, with reports indicating a nearing deal to allow Washington to resume flying aircraft and drones over Mali’s airspace for intelligence on jihadist groups.

A resident, speaking on condition of anonymity, said gunfire was heard toward the military camp securing the airport, not the airport itself. There was no immediate claim of responsibility from JNIM or from Islamic State in the Sahel Province (ISSP).

Mali’s military leaders took power after coups in 2020 and 2021, pledging to restore security, but militants have continued frequent attacks on the army and civilians.