A military police base in Mali’s capital, Bamako, was attacked by gunmen early Tuesday morning, leading to the closure of the city’s airport.
Witnesses and sources reported hearing gunfire and explosions, while black smoke was seen rising near the airport.
“This morning armed men attacked at least one military police base in Bamako.
They have not been formally identified,” a police source told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity.
The assault began around 5:00 am, with volleys of gunfire and explosions continuing for some time.
In response to the attack, an airport official stated, “Bamako airport is temporarily closed due to events,” without specifying how long the closure would last.
A witness in the area reported being trapped in a mosque during early morning prayers as the incident unfolded.
As a precaution, the French high school Liberte announced it would remain closed due to external events.
Staff at the United Nations mission in Mali were advised to limit their movements until further notice.
Mali has been under the control of a military junta since coups in 2020 and 2021.
Despite ongoing conflict in the country involving separatists and jihadist groups linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, the capital has largely been spared from such attacks until now.
Following the coups, military juntas also took power in neighboring Burkina Faso and Niger.
Under the leadership of Colonel Assimi Goita, Mali severed ties with European partners and former colonial power France, instead aligning with Russia and employing the Wagner mercenary group for support.
The Malian military leaders have vowed to regain control over the entire country.
However, their offensive against rebels in the north has led to numerous allegations of abuses against civilians by the army and its Russian allies since 2022, accusations which they deny.
AFP.
