On April 25, armed groups attacked several locations in Mali's capital and other cities, according to multiple reports. The Malian army stated that 'unidentified armed terrorist groups targeted certain locations and barracks in the capital' and that soldiers were 'engaged in eliminating the attackers.' An Associated Press journalist in Bamako heard sustained heavy weapons and automatic rifle gunfire from Modibo Keita International Airport and saw a helicopter overhead. A resident near the airport reported gunfire and three helicopters patrolling. The US embassy in Bamako issued a security alert citing reports of explosions and gunfire near Kati and the international airport. The UK Foreign Office advised against all travel to Mali and said a series of coordinated attacks occurred in multiple locations including Kidal, Gao, Kati, Sevare, and near Bamako Airport. The residence of Mali's defence minister, Sadio Camara, was heavily damaged by an explosion during the attack, according to a nearby shopkeeper. A resident of Gao reported gunfire and explosions starting early Saturday and continuing into late morning. Gunmen entered Kidal, taking control of some neighborhoods and leading to exchanges of fire with the army, according to the former mayor of Kidal. A resident of Kati reported gunfire and explosions near the main military base. Residents in other cities reported gunfire and blasts, suggesting a possible coordinated attack.
The al-Qaida-linked group JNIM claimed responsibility for the attacks, jointly with the Azawad Liberation Front, according to JNIM via its website Azallaq. The Azawad Liberation Front claimed control of several areas of Kidal and Gao, according to Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadane, the group's spokesperson. However, some reports initially said no group had claimed responsibility as of the time of reporting, according to multiple sources. This contradiction highlights the difficulty in determining who was behind the attack, which is crucial for understanding the conflict dynamics and potential escalation.
The terrorists have been neutralised.
The Malian army later stated the situation was under control. The military said the situation was under control by 08:00 local time. Army chief-of-staff Oumar Diarra said 'the terrorists have been neutralised.' Malian authorities blamed 'a group of terrorists' for the assault. AFP reported heavy exchanges of fire near a police station controlling access to the civilian airport terminal in the early afternoon. The exact death toll and extent of damage from the April 25 attacks remain unknown. The scope of the attack also remains unclear: while some reports indicate attacks occurred in Kidal, Gao, Kati, Sevare, and near Bamako Airport, others include Mopti as well. The extent of territorial control by separatists in Kidal is also disputed: the Azawad Liberation Front claimed full control, but the former mayor said gunmen only took control of some neighborhoods.
International organizations and embassies issued security alerts and advised staff to restrict movement following the attacks. The US embassy in Bamako issued a security alert citing reports of explosions and gunfire near Kati and the international airport. The UK Foreign Office advised against all travel to Mali. International organisations advised staff to restrict movement, according to the UN and other organisations.
Key unknowns include the exact death toll from the April 25 attacks, the current status of Kidal and Gao, and the extent of damage to the airport and military targets. The identity of the attackers on April 25 is also disputed, with JNIM and the Azawad Liberation Front claiming responsibility but some reports initially saying no group had claimed responsibility. The response of the Malian military and international forces to the attacks also remains unclear.