BAMAKO, Mali — A series of coordinated attacks in Mali has erupted across the country as suspected jihadists and Tuareg separatist fighters target multiple towns, military positions, and a major prison. The fresh escalation marks a significant challenge to the ruling military junta, which has struggled to contain the decade-long uprising since seizing power in 2020 and 2021.
The heavy fighting began around 5:00 a.m. on Saturday, with insurgents launching simultaneous strikes on at least seven military installations across the nation. Spokespersons for the insurgent groups have officially claimed responsibility for the violence. In a released statement, spokespersons for Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM)—an al-Qaeda affiliate—asserted that the group had successfully seized control of at least three of the targeted military sites.
JNIM coordinated these strikes alongside its Tuareg-led allies, the Azawad Liberation Front. Spokespersons for the rebel factions stated that the joint forces struck multiple towns and a prison facility in a widespread offensive.
Clashes and gunfire were reported in several key locations, including Gao, Aguelhok, and Anéfis. The fighting in Anéfis is particularly significant, as it remains one of the last locations where the national army maintains a presence in the northern Kidal region. Additionally, the violence reached the capital, with gunfire echoing at a major prison near Bamako.
Following the dawn assaults, conflicting narratives emerged regarding the outcome of the battles. Spokespersons for the Malian military, citing army security sources, stated that soldiers successfully repelled the Saturday assaults, insisting that the situation remained “totally under control.”
However, rebel spokespersons countered these claims late in the day, reporting that fierce fighting was still ongoing in several towns. They noted that the conflict was notably continuing in Anéfis, directly challenging the army’s assertion of total control.
This latest wave of violence comes just over two months after a previous major offensive orchestrated by the Azawad Liberation Front and JNIM. That prior attack dealt a severe blow to the military authorities, striking the airport in Bamako and resulting in the death of Mali’s defense minister.
The continued ability of these insurgent groups to stage joint, large-scale strikes highlights the ongoing difficulties faced by Mali’s military leaders. Despite taking power in coups in 2020 and 2021 with promises of stability, the junta has yet to end the protracted, decade-long uprising that continues to destabilize the region.