Gunmen staged coordinated attacks across multiple locations in Mali on Saturday, April 25, 2026, including the capital Bamako, according to the Malian army. The military said it was engaged in combat with 'terrorist groups' that had launched the assaults simultaneously.
The attacks, which began in the early hours, targeted several sites in Bamako as well as other areas of the country. The army did not immediately provide details on casualties or the specific groups involved, but described the operation as a coordinated effort by multiple armed factions.
Security forces were deployed to secure the affected areas, and the government urged residents to remain calm and follow official instructions. The situation remained fluid as of Saturday morning, with reports of ongoing clashes in some neighborhoods.
Mali has faced persistent insecurity since 2012, with various jihadist groups and separatist movements operating in the north and central regions. The capital Bamako has been relatively spared from large-scale attacks in recent years, though isolated incidents have occurred.
International partners, including the United Nations peacekeeping mission MINUSMA and French forces, have been supporting Malian security forces in counterterrorism operations. The latest attacks underscore the continued volatility in the Sahel region.
