A series of coordinated attacks by multiple armed groups struck several locations in Mali on Saturday, April 25, 2026, targeting military installations and government facilities.
The attacks, which included a suicide car bombing, resulted in the death of Mali's Defense Minister, General Sadio Camara. Multiple sources confirm the attacks were the largest coordinated assault in the country in over a decade.
Incident Timeline and Locations
The attacks began in the early morning hours, with explosions and gunfire reported simultaneously across several cities and towns:
- Bamako: Heavy weapon and automatic rifle fire was reported near Modibo Keïta International Airport, which is adjacent to an air base used by the Malian Air Force. A helicopter was observed patrolling the area. The airport was affected, leading to flight cancellations.
- Kati: A town near Bamako housing the main military base and the residence of military ruler General Assimi Goïta. Residents reported being woken by gunfire and explosions near the Kati military base.
- Kidal: Gunmen entered the city and took control of several neighborhoods, leading to exchanges of fire with the army. Social media videos showed militant convoys and exchanges of gunfire.
- Gao: Gunfire and explosions were reported from the army camp and airport area, continuing from early Saturday into late morning.
- Sévaré and Mopti: Attacks were also reported in these central towns.
Groups Involved and Claims of Responsibility
Two primary groups claimed responsibility for the attacks, stating they had coordinated their operations:
- Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM): An al-Qaeda-affiliated group.
- Azawad Liberation Front (FLA): A Tuareg-led separatist movement.
FLA spokesperson Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadane stated that their forces had taken control of several areas in Kidal and Gao. He also claimed that an agreement was reached for a peaceful withdrawal of Malian and Russian forces from Kidal. Ramadane confirmed coordination with JNIM in the attacks and warned neighboring Sahel countries against intervening. The FLA called on Russia to reconsider its support for the Malian junta.
Official Statements and Response
- Mali Government: The Malian army reported that "unidentified armed terrorist groups" targeted certain locations and barracks. A government spokesperson, General Issa Ousmane Coulibaly, stated on state television that 16 people were wounded, including civilians and military personnel, and that several militants were killed. No official death toll was provided. A three-day overnight curfew (9 p.m. to 6 a.m.) was imposed in the Bamako district.
- U.S. Embassy: Issued a security alert advising U.S. citizens to shelter in place and avoid travel.
- Regional Bodies: The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Union, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation condemned the attacks. The African Union and the U.S. Bureau of African Affairs issued condemnations.
Casualties and Key Figures
- Defense Minister Sadio Camara: Confirmed killed in the attacks. Government sources stated he was wounded in a firefight at his residence in Kati, which involved a suicide car bomber, and later died from his injuries. He engaged the attackers before succumbing to his wounds.
- Interim President Assimi Goïta: Reports indicated Goïta was moved to a secure location and remains in command. He has not been seen publicly since the attacks began. The Malian presidency later posted a photo of Goïta meeting the Russian ambassador on Tuesday.
Military and Mercenary Involvement
- Russian Africa Corps: Russian mercenaries from the African Corps (formerly the Wagner Group) were reported to be fighting alongside Malian forces. Following the attacks, the African Corps officially announced its withdrawal from Kidal, stating that wounded soldiers and heavy equipment were evacuated first. Multiple videos and satellite imagery circulated showing the convoy evacuating and destroyed military equipment. Two videos showed a BMP infantry fighting vehicle in flames and an armored personnel carrier on its side.
- Russia's Official Statement: Russia's defense ministry stated that its Africa Corps prevented a coup, inflicted "irreplaceable losses" on rebels, and fought while surrounded and outnumbered. The ministry alleged, without providing evidence, that militants were trained by European and Ukrainian instructors. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that restoring peace and stability in Mali is a priority.
- Local Reports of Negotiated Exit: Local reports on Monday suggested the Africa Corps troops negotiated their exit from Kidal, with Algeria acting as a mediator. A Malian official was quoted as saying the governor of Kidal warned Africa Corps of the attack three days prior, and their exit was pre-negotiated.
Alliance of Sahel States (AES) Response
The joint anti-jihadist force of Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali (AES) conducted "intense air campaigns" in Malian territory in the hours following the attacks, targeting areas in Gao, Menaka, and Kidal. The AES force, originally 5,000 men, was increased to 15,000 in mid-April. Burkina Faso's Defense Minister vowed to "hunt down" the attackers.
Background and Context
- Mali has experienced over a decade of armed conflict involving al-Qaeda and ISIL affiliates, as well as a Tuareg-led separatist rebellion in the north. The conflict began with a Tuareg rebellion in 2012.
- Following military coups in 2020 and 2021, Mali severed ties with France and expelled French forces and UN peacekeepers (MINUSMA). The junta, led by General Assimi Goïta, turned to Russian mercenaries (Wagner Group, later Africa Corps) for security assistance.
- A 2015 peace deal with Tuareg rebels was terminated in January 2024.
- In 2024, an al-Qaeda-linked group claimed an attack on Bamako's airport and a military training camp, killing scores.
- Security has reportedly worsened, with a record number of militant attacks. Government forces have been accused of killing civilians suspected of collaborating with militants.
- Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) in 2023, distancing themselves from ECOWAS.