Jihadists killed more than 100 soldiers in central Mali this month in an attack on a military camp, according to two sources. The Malian army said it evacuated troops from the camp and conducted retaliatory strikes against enemy positions during an operation lasting more than a week.
Mali's President Assimi Goïta pardoned Yann Vézilier, a French intelligence officer who was sentenced in June to 20 years in prison for allegedly plotting to destabilize the country. The release follows months of diplomatic negotiations and represents a rare conciliatory gesture amid years of tension between Mali and France.
Separatists in northern Mali have released 82 soldiers who were captured during nationwide attacks in April by al Qaeda-linked militants and rebel groups. The Malian military confirmed the release on Thursday, ending months of captivity for the soldiers.
Armed insurgents staged coordinated attacks in at least five locations across Mali on Saturday, including a northern town hosting Malian troops and Russian fighters, and a prison near the capital Bamako. The Tuareg separatist group FLA was involved in the assaults.
Tuareg separatists and jihadist forces captured the key Tessalit military stronghold in northern Mali, marking a significant defeat for Mali's army and Russian mercenary allies as coordinated attacks intensify across the country.
Mali's military junta faces unprecedented large-scale attacks from Tuareg separatists and jihadist groups, with rebels declaring the government will fall and demanding Russian forces withdraw from the country.
Mali's military ruler Assimi Goita made his first public appearance since coordinated jihadist and separatist attacks over the weekend, as Russia claimed its Africa Corps halted a coup attempt.
Tuareg separatists and al-Qaeda-linked jihadists have seized control of the key northern Mali town of Kidal following coordinated attacks on strategic junta positions. Russian mercenaries confirmed withdrawal from the city, marking the most serious challenge to Mali's military government in over a decade.
Mali's Defence Minister Sadio Camara was killed in an attack on his residence during coordinated assaults by jihadist militants and Tuareg separatist rebels across multiple cities, including the capital Bamako. The military intelligence chief was also reportedly killed in the sweeping attacks.
Armed groups launched simultaneous attacks on military positions in Mali's capital Bamako and several northern cities including Kidal and Gao, in what has been described as the largest jihadist assault in years. Witnesses reported gunfire near Bamako airport and other locations.
