Mali’s armed forces announced on Saturday that several coordinated attacks, including gunfire and explosions, occurred in multiple locations across the country, with significant activity reported near the capital, Bamako.
According to a statement from the Malian army, two loud explosions and sustained gunfire were registered shortly before 6:00 a.m. local time (06:00 GMT) on April 25, 2026. The events were concentrated near the Kati military base, a major installation located approximately 15 kilometers (9 miles) northwest of Bamako.
The army described the incidents as a coordinated assault carried out by multiple armed groups. As of late Saturday morning, no group had publicly claimed responsibility for the attacks. Details regarding casualties or the full extent of the damage have not yet been released by officials.
Reports from Bamako indicated a heightened security presence in the capital following the sounds of the early morning assault. The situation in other parts of the country where attacks were reported remains under assessment by government authorities.
The Kati base is the largest and most significant military installation in Mali, serving as a central command hub for the nation’s armed forces. It has also been a focal point during previous periods of political change in the country.
These events take place against the backdrop of a decade-long security challenge in Mali and the broader Sahel region. The state has been engaged in operations against various armed factions, including groups with ties to al-Qaeda and ISIL (ISIS), as well as other non-state actors. The security situation has been a central concern for Mali’s transitional government and its international partners.
Further information from government sources is expected as the situation develops.
