Tuareg Separatists and JNIM Launch Joint Attacks on Malian Military Positions Nationwide

Explosions and sustained gunfire echoed through Mali's capital, Bamako, as armed groups launched coordinated attacks across the country on Saturday. An Al-Qaeda-linked jihadist group announced that its fighters had joined forces with Tuareg rebels to target the army in junta-ruled Mali. Mali's army stated that armed terrorist groups had initiated attacks on military positions nationwide.

Gunshots rang out in Kati, home to a major military base outside Bamako, while gunmen were seen on the streets of Kidal. Fighting also broke out in Gao and Kidal in northern Mali, as well as in the central cities of Sevare and Mopti. Witnesses reported clashes in the center and north of Mali.

The UK Foreign Office advised against all travel to Mali following the attacks. A resident traveling back to Bamako from Ethiopia told the BBC that all flights into the city had been cancelled early on Saturday. Bamako International Airport was temporarily closed.

In Bamako, checkpoints were established on roads leading to the airport, where vehicles are being searched.

A curfew was imposed in Bamako from 21:00 to 06:00 local time for the next three nights.

Mali has a separatist movement in the country's north. UN peacekeepers and French forces deployed to Mali left after the junta took over. The military government hired Russian mercenaries to help tackle insecurity in Mali.

Large parts of the north and east of Mali remain outside government control.

Mali's military stated on Saturday evening that efforts to repel the attacks were under way and some militants had fled.

The military also stated it was fighting terrorist groups which had been routed with several hundred killed.