Gunmen launched an early morning attack on a military police base in Bamako, Mali’s capital, on Tuesday, triggering gunfire and explosions that shook the city.
Sources, witnesses, and an AFP correspondent reported that the attackers targeted at least one base near the airport, which has since been temporarily closed.
The attack began around 5:00 am, with volleys of gunfire and explosions. Black smoke was seen rising near the airport, prompting officials to halt operations.
“Bamako airport is temporarily closed due to events,” an airport official confirmed without specifying the duration of the closure.
Worshippers in a nearby mosque were caught in the crossfire during early morning prayers, while the French high school Liberte and the United Nations mission in Mali advised staff and students to limit movements due to security concerns.
Mali, governed by a military junta since coups in 2020 and 2021, has been battling various armed rebel groups, including separatists and jihadists linked to Al-Qaeda and ISIS.
Though these groups have largely operated in northern regions, Bamako had previously been spared from direct attacks.
Under junta leader Colonel Assimi Goita, Mali has shifted its military alliances from European partners to Russia and the Wagner Group.
However, the junta’s offensive against northern rebels has drawn international criticism over alleged abuses against civilians, which both the Malian military and Russian forces deny.
