BAMAKO: The army in junta-ruled Mali on Saturday battled what it described as ‘terrorist groups’ that initiated surprise attacks around the capital, Bamako, and various parts of the West African nation.

These assaults mark the latest development in a region plagued by more than a decade of jihadist conflict.Witnesses reported intense fighting in a town near Bamako, where junta leader General Assimi Goita resides, as well as in other key cities within the country.

The northern city of Kidal has reportedly been seized by the Tuareg rebels belonging to the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) coalition, although this claim remains unverified by AFP.Mali's military junta, which took power following coups in 2020 and 2021, categorizes the FLA as a ‘terrorist’ group.

The Malian army released a statement confirming that unidentified 'terrorist groups' targeted several locations, including barracks, within Bamako and across the country early on Saturday morning.

It urged citizens to remain vigilant, emphasizing that their defense and security forces are actively engaged in neutralizing the attackers.Fighting has been observed around major cities such as Gao, Kidal, and Sevare, with heavy gunfire heard at Kati, located in the suburbs of Bamako.

This area is also home to General Goita’s residence, though his whereabouts remain unknown.

There was speculation concerning Defense Minister General Sadio Camara due to a significant explosion that damaged much of his home in Kati; however, it was clarified by his entourage that he was not present and remains ‘safe.’The streets of Bamako have been deserted amid intermittent gunfire, as confirmed by an AFP correspondent.

The situation escalated further with the sight of helicopters circling over Bamako and near the international airport, where fighting has also been reported.The Tuareg FLA released a statement on Facebook asserting control over Kidal city and most of its territories.

An FLA spokesperson, Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadane, affirmed their dominion over Kidal while indicating that the governor of the region had sought refuge in the former MINUSMA camp.Russia's involvement in Mali has been significant through the Russian mercenary group Wagner, which was active against jihadist forces until June 2025.

Since then, they have transformed into the Africa Corps, an entity under the direct command of Russia’s defense ministry.

This shift in allegiance has implications for Mali's ongoing struggle with groups like the Al-Qaeda-linked JNIM and the FLA.Recent attacks by JNIM on fuel tanker convoys heading to Bamako led to severe diesel shortages in March, affecting energy supply across the city.

Despite a relative calm over several months, these incidents highlight the underlying tensions within the nation.Mali has faced significant political shifts, severing ties with France and Western nations to strengthen relations with Russia.

This pivot has been criticized for its impact on civil liberties, including restrictions on media freedom and opposition activism.

The junta's initial commitment to civilian governance by March 2024 was annulled when General Goita secured a five-year presidential term in July 2025 without the need for elections.The situation remains tense as Mali grapples with internal conflict, external influences, and the legacy of its longstanding jihadist turmoil.

Efforts by Western countries to establish dialogue have been mediated by Togo through an alliance formed by the juntas of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.