Mali rebels launch offensive on northern towns including Gao and Sévaré

The Malian army reported that rebels targeted several northern towns, notably Gao and Sévaré, as the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) announced a new offensive to capture the town of Anefis. No immediate casualties were reported.

The attacks occur amid a broader insurgency involving al‑Qaida and Islamic State affiliates, as well as a long‑running separatist rebellion in northern Mali. Neighboring Niger and Burkina Faso are confronting similar militant threats. Following recent coups, the military juntas in the three countries have turned to Russia for assistance, but the security situation has deteriorated, reaching a record level of militant assaults.

Government forces have also faced accusations of extrajudicial killings of civilians suspected of collaborating with militants. In late April, a coordinated strike by the FLA and the regional al‑Qaida affiliate JNIM killed Mali’s defence minister at his home and seized several key northern towns.