Insurgents launched coordinated attacks across Mali early on Saturday, striking at least five locations, including Gao, Anefis, Aguelhok, Sevare and the Kenieroba prison complex south of Bamako, according to the Malian army.
The attacks involved Al Qaeda-linked insurgents and Tuareg separatist fighters, targeting key military positions in the north and central regions. Fighting reportedly began around 4am local time.
Anefis and Aguelhok are among the last areas in the Kidal region where Mali’s army maintains a presence, following major rebel offensives in late April. The strategic city of Kidal had already fallen under the control of Azawad Liberation Front fighters during those attacks.
The army said one person was killed in Gao and claimed 20 insurgents were killed in Sevare, where a major army base and airport are located. The full casualty toll remains unclear, as Mali’s military rarely provides detailed figures on its own losses.
The Kenieroba prison complex, located south of Bamako, was also targeted. The facility is known to hold several high-risk detainees, including insurgent prisoners.
Mali’s military junta is backed by Africa Corps, a Moscow-linked paramilitary group that replaced Wagner Group forces in the country in 2025.
