Terrorists launch simultaneous attacks in Mali, authorities say

Terrorists have carried out attacks in various locations across Mali, according to the country's army.

Gunfire and helicopters were heard early this morning outside the capital, Bamako, near Kati military base and the international airport.

Similar scenes were reported in the towns of Sevare and Kidal, and in the city of Gao.

"There's gunfire everywhere," ​a witness in Sevare said, while a resident in Gao told Associated Press their house was shaking due to the "force of the explosions".

Mali's army said it was "eliminating the attackers" after "unidentified armed terrorist groups targeted certain locations and barracks in the capital".

A statement several hours later said the situation was under control but "sweeping operations" were continuing

Al Qaeda and Islamic State affiliates operate in the West African country, while a Tuareg-led separatist rebellion has long rumbled on in the north.

A spokesperson for the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA), a Tuareg-dominated alliance, said on social media it had taken control ‌of positions in Kidal and Gao.

Meanwhile, security sources told Reuters that regional al Qaeda affiliate Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) was also involved.

JNIM has so far not claimed responsibility but has staged frequent attacks in the country - including one in the capital in 2024 that killed dozens of trainee police and soldiers.

Mali's military leaders promised to boost security after seizing power in coups in 2020 and 2021 but the unrest has continued.

Neighbouring Niger and Burkina Faso have also been battling the terror group affiliates in recent years, with all three countries turning to Russia for help.

Russian mercenaries are understood to be housed at the military base attacked this morning near Bamako.

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Sky's Africa correspondent Yousra Elbagir said the attacks were concerning but not a surprise as jihadists and separatist groups had consolidated their partnership in recent years.

"The concern now is what does this mean for other cities in the region," she added. "What does it mean for the capital of Burkina Faso and the capital of Niger?"

Ulf Laessing, a Mali expert from the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, told Sky News it was the "largest attack in years" and the apparent close coordination between the groups showed a "new level of threat".

"We had already an attack on the capital of Niger, Niamey Airport, in the start of February. And now again, attacking another capital, Bamako. So the jihadists, they're getting bolder."

(c) Sky News 2026: Terrorists launch simultaneous attacks in Mali, authorities say