The capital of Mali, Bamako, has returned to calm just hours after a failed “terrorist attack” targeting a military police base, according to a statement released by the Ministry of Security and Protection. The Malian military government confirmed that the situation is now under control after an early morning assault on Tuesday.
The attack occurred at a gendarmerie school in the Feladie district, southeast of the capital near the Modibo Keita International Airport. Witnesses reported hearing gunfire and explosions as armed militants attempted to infiltrate the police base. The Malian army swiftly responded, repelling the attackers and launching a security sweep to secure the area.
Also Read: Estonian Acrobat Jaan Roose Becomes First to Cross from Asia to Europe on Tightrope
“Mopping-up operations are currently under way throughout the area,” the military said in a statement, urging residents to avoid the vicinity as the situation continues to be monitored.
As a precaution, Bamako’s international airport was temporarily closed, and a nearby high school remained shut for the day. United Nations staff in the city were advised to limit their movements until further notice.
Mali has been under military rule since back-to-back coups in 2020 and 2021, with its government grappling with numerous armed groups, including those linked to al-Qaeda and ISIL (ISIS). While these groups have predominantly operated outside Bamako, Tuesday’s attack highlights the persistent threat of violence even within the capital.
The Malian government, led by Colonel Assimi Goita, has shifted its strategic alliances in recent years, severing ties with European partners, including France, and instead seeking support from Russia and the Wagner mercenary group. Since 2022, the military, alongside its Russian allies, has been conducting operations against rebel forces in the north, though these offensives have been marred by allegations of civilian abuses, which the government denies.
The attack on the Bamako police base comes amid broader regional instability, with coups also taking place in neighboring Burkina Faso and Niger in the aftermath of Mali’s military-led government transition.
Key Points
Attack Location: Armed gunmen targeted a gendarmerie school in the Feladie district, near Bamako’s international airport.
Malian Army Response: The military swiftly repelled the attack and launched mopping-up operations across the area.
Situation Under Control: The Ministry of Security and Protection announced that the situation is now stable, and security sweeps are ongoing.
Public Safety Measures: Bamako’s Modibo Keita International Airport was temporarily shut down, and nearby institutions, including a high school, were closed as a precaution.
UN Staff Warning: The United Nations mission staff in Bamako were advised to limit movements during the security response.
Mali’s Ongoing Security Crisis: The country, ruled by a military government since 2021, continues to face threats from rebel groups linked to al-Qaeda and ISIL (ISIS).
Shifting Alliances: Under Colonel Assimi Goita’s leadership, Mali has aligned with Russia and the Wagner group, breaking ties with France and European partners.
