Insurgents stage attacks across Mali, army says

Insurgents launched coordinated attacks across five Malian locations early Saturday, intensifying the threat to the nation's struggling leadership. The Azawad Liberation Front (FLA), a Tuareg-led rebel group, claimed involvement in the assaults. The group has partnered with Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM), an al Qaeda affiliate, in previous high-profile operations.

The FLA spokesperson stated that fighters entered Anefis in the northeastern Kidal region. Government and Russian forces had recently been deployed there. Gunfire and rocket attacks were also reported in Gao, targeting a military camp. In Sevare, residents heard gunfire followed by explosions. The FLA has not yet claimed responsibility for all attacks.

These assaults underscore the persistent insecurity in Mali, despite assurances from the military leaders who took power in coups in 2020 and 2021. The government has faced significant challenges, including a September attack on a police training school that killed around 70 people and a recent fuel blockade that disrupted supplies to the capital. Mali has been seeking closer security ties with the United States while also relying on Russian forces for support.

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the situation was “being monitored”