Coordinated jihadist and Tuareg rebel attacks hit multiple sites in Mali

Since early Saturday morning, coordinated attacks by jihadist groups and their Tuareg‑independentist allies struck several locations across Mali, including the northern towns of Gao, Anéfis and Aguelhok, the central town of Sévaré, and the Kéniéroba prison about 70 km from Bamako. The assaults began around 05:00 local time and were reported by the Malian army, local residents and security sources.

The fighting follows a large‑scale offensive in late April that saw rebels seize the strategic northern city of Kidal and result in the death of Defence Minister Sadio Camara. The Tuareg Front of Liberation of Azawad (FLA) claims control of several posts in Anéfis, while the army, aided by the Russian‑backed paramilitary Africa Corps, states it is actively repelling the attacks. No official casualty figures have been released, and communications at the prison were reportedly cut after the assault.