⚠️ 🔴 Al Jazeera live updates reports: Mali attacks live: Coordinated attacks in Bamako, Kati, Kidal and elsewhere: See: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2026/4/25/mali-attacks-live-gunfire-heard-near-bamako-airport-and-in-several-cities
◉ Gunmen have attacked Mali’s capital, Bamako, and several locations across the country, says Mali’s army in an apparently coordinated assault involving multiple groups.
◉ Two loud explosions and sustained gunfire were heard shortly before 6am (06:00 GMT) near Mali’s main military base at Kati outside Bamako.
“Scale and coordination of Mali attacks appear unprecedented”: https://aje.news/0qw2po?update=4521497
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ℹ️ A Malian Armed Forces spokesperson said that the situation is under control, the terrorists have been neutralized, and calls on the public to remain calm and “refrain from sharing videos or propaganda messages aimed at fueling public anxiety”. Hm? “Nothing to see here”?
🔴 BBC News — Explosions and gunfire as armed groups launch co-ordinated attacks across Mali: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clyx7nnrkqdo
FLA units are inside the Kidal governorate.
They have captured positions held by the Malian Army and the Africa Corps Russian mercenaries.
The Africa Corps’ track record in Mali, fighting the FLA and Islamist terrorists, has not been stellar.
Bamako has been under siege by JNIM for months.
➡️ Governor’s residence taken by FLA: https://lnkd.in/ee5Z5XEW
➡️ Also see: ‘If Mali Falls to Al Qaeda, the Shock Waves Will Spread to the Coastal States and Beyond’ by Hollie McKay (Nov 15, 2025)– in this report, I give my two cents worth: https://roycedemelo.com/2025/11/15/tnys-report-if-mali-falls-to-al-qaeda-the-shock-waves-will-spread-to-the-coastal-states-and-beyond-in-this-report-i-share-a-couple-of-variables/
The Russia Factor:
If JNIM and FLA keep up the momentum in this offensive right now, it might just continue to the end-– meanwhile, let’s hope that doesn’t happen, and Bamako doesn’t fall.
If this offensive sputters and slows, as JNIM and FLA lose momentum, or meet strong resistance, expect them to hunker down where they are, regroup, reassess, and then we might see another push in the future, maybe a final push.
Meanwhile, the Russians might pull out, or they will reinforce. But going by Russia’s track record, including Wagner Group, in other places (e.g. Syria and Assad), I would not be surprised if they abandoned Mali and Goita with a do svidaniya. –RdM
✳️ Video below: FLA forces have captured certain positions held by the Malian army and the Russian African Corps
–RdM
