Militant extremists unleash new wave of synchronized assaults throughout Mali

On Saturday, Mali faced a new wave of coordinated attacks by jihadists and their Tuareg separatist allies, with multiple towns and a prison being targeted, as confirmed by the army, residents, and security sources.

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These attacks began around 5:00 am (0500 GMT), occurring over two months after similar groups launched assaults against the ruling junta, resulting in the death of the country's defence minister.

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The attacks were reported in several locations, including Gao, Anefis, Aguelhok, and Sevare, as well as the Kenieroba prison.

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Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadane, a spokesman for the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA), stated that "several positions have fallen, but fighting is still underway inside the city" of Anefis, in a statement to AFP.

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A resident of Anefis, contacted by AFP, described the situation, saying "armed groups are in the town, but the army is still putting up resistance, and the camp has not yet fallen).

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The towns of Anefis and Aguelhok in the north are the last remaining locations where Mali's army maintains a presence in the Kidal region, following the massive attacks of April 25 and 26.

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The strategic northern Malian city of Kidal fell under the control of FLA fighters during the late-April offensives, dealing a significant blow to the ruling military junta.

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In Gao, residents contacted by AFP reported hearing gunfire and "loud blasts" near an army camp.

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In the central town of Sevare, "explosions rang out around 5:00 am, though their origin is not yet known, and shortly thereafter, several aircraft were spotted flying over the area", according to a security source who spoke to AFP.

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The major Kenieroba prison complex, which holds jihadists among other inmates and is located a few dozen kilometres from the capital, Bamako, was also under attack.

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A prisoner at the Kenieroba prison complex told AFP, "We are under our beds, the gunfire continues."