Armed fighters have reportedly launched attacks in five different locations within Mali, more than two months after a wave of assaults targeting the capital and other regions. These latest strikes occurred on Saturday, involving areas known to house government forces and Russian military personnel.

The Malian army confirmed that the attacks took place in Aguelhok, Anefis, Gao, Sevare, and Kenieroba. The timing of the assaults was around 5 am local time. Security sources indicated that a significant prison facility in Kenieroba was one of the targets, as indicated by accounts from local residents.

Allegations of Responsibility

A Tuareg-led armed group has claimed responsibility for part of the attacks, specifically targeting the town of Anefis in the northeastern Kidal region. Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadane, a spokesperson for the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA), confirmed the assault to Reuters, stating that their fighters were actively involved in the confrontation.

Additionally, Ramadane mentioned that the armed group has gained ground in Anefis, although he acknowledged that combat was ongoing. A resident from Anefis reported that while armed groups had entered the town, government forces were still attempting to resist, and the military camp had not been completely taken over.

Anefis and Aguelhok remain critical locations for the Malian army, serving as the last bastions of military presence in the Kidal region following earlier attacks in April.

Situation in Other Locations

In the central city of Gao, local officials reported that gunfire and rockets were directed at a military camp from the early morning. The identities of the attackers remain unclear, contributing to the heightened tension in the area. This marks another escalation in a region already fraught with insecurity.

Meanwhile, in Sevare, explosions were reported around 5 am, though their source was yet to be identified. Residents noted the sight of military aircraft overhead shortly after the explosions occurred, indicating potential military responses.

The prison in Kenieroba faced a significant threat as parts of the facility reportedly came under attack; accounts from a prisoner at the site provided insights into the chaotic conditions during the assaults. This combined pressure on multiple fronts raises alarms about the stability of security forces across Mali.

Context of Ongoing Conflict

These attacks come amidst a challenging security environment in Mali, where the military-led government has been facing increasing threats from rebel groups. In April, a series of high-profile incidents significantly undermined governmental authority, including an attack on Bamako’s airport that resulted in the death of the defence minister and the takeover of several military bases.

The continuity of these assaults illustrates a deepening crisis in Mali, where armed groups have previously demonstrated their capability to disrupt government operations and instil fear in the population. As the situation develops, it poses questions about the effectiveness of military strategies employed by the government to secure peace and stability in the Sahel region.

As the Malian army and its allies struggle to maintain control, the situation remains fluid, and response measures are likely to escalate as the government seeks to regain lost ground and address the rising threat from various factions operating within the country.

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