Mali rebels launch coordinated attacks on five towns

Tuareg separatists and Islamist fighters launched coordinated attacks on five locations across Mali on Saturday, targeting army bases and a prison near the capital Bamako. The assaults hit Aguelhok, Anefis, Gao, Sevare, and the Kenieroba prison complex, about 60 km southwest of Bamako Source: dwnews.

The attacks

• In Anefis (northeast), FLA spokesperson Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadane said fighters entered the town and captured some army positions, though the army still resisted Source: aljazeera.
• Gao and Sevare saw gunfire, rockets, and explosions near military camps since dawn Source: dwnews.
• At Kenieroba prison, a prisoner reported the facility was under attack Source: aljazeera.

The army claimed it had regained control, reporting over 20 attackers killed, but rebels said fighting continued in some areas Source: dwnews.

Broader context

The attacks follow a major offensive in late April, when rebels seized Kidal and killed Defence Minister General Sadio Camara Source: dwnews. The FLA (Tuareg separatist) and JNIM (al-Qaeda affiliate) have set aside past rivalries to coordinate operations, raising concerns about the junta's ability to secure the country after the 2020–2021 coups Source: dwnews. Analysts say the rebels are bolder than before, exploiting the junta's shift from French to Russian military support .