Mali: Terrorist Attack on Bamako Military Camp Triggers Airport Restrictions
Summary
A terrorist attack targeted the gendarmerie training camp in Bamako this morning, prompting temporary access restrictions to the international airport. The Malian army reported that the situation is under control, with ongoing search operations. This attack comes alongside a significant trial regarding corruption among senior officials tied to military contracts, highlighting escalating security concerns in Mali’s capital.
In the early hours of the morning, a terrorist attack targeted the gendarmerie training camp in Faladié, situated on the outskirts of Bamako, Mali’s capital. In response to this incident, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure has enacted temporary restrictions on access to the Modibo Keita Senou International Airport as a precautionary measure. A statement from the ministry urged the public to remain calm, assuring that efforts will be made to remove these restrictions promptly. According to the Malian army, efforts to infiltrate the gendarmerie training school by a group of terrorists prompted the attack. The Directorate of Information and Public Relations of the Armed Forces (Dirpa) reported that the situation is currently under control, with ongoing search operations in the area. The assault began around 5 AM and persisted until approximately 8 AM, resulting in shots and explosions being heard in the vicinity. A simultaneous attack on the Senou camp, located roughly ten kilometers south of Faladié and housing members of the former Wagner group, now known as Africa Corps, has also been noted, yet specific details remain undetermined. This incident follows a troubling trend of violence in the capital, where previous attacks have occurred, including the tragic hostage situation in 2015 at the Radisson Blu hotel which resulted in twenty fatalities. Although Bamako has largely been free from significant violence recently, there have been closer threats as illustrated by the simultaneous attacks in Kassela and Markacoungo earlier this year. Notably, today’s attack occurred just before a significant trial concerning the controversial acquisition of a presidential aircraft and military contracts involving senior officials at the Faladié school. This trial stems from allegations of corruption dating back to 2014, encompassing several high-ranking military officials, politicians, and businessmen. Judicial sources indicate that some charges have been dropped following a reopening of investigations which uncovered instances of potential over-invoicing and embezzlement linked to contracts valued at over 130 billion CFA francs (approximately 198 million euros). Among those implicated are former influential figures such as Moustapha Ben Barka and Mahamadou Camara, with some individuals facing trial in absentia due to their absence from the country.
The situation in Mali, particularly in its capital Bamako, has been increasingly precarious due to the actions of terrorist groups operating in the region. Despite a period of reduced major attacks since 2016, recent events suggest a rise in violence, specifically targeting military and governmental establishments. The Fuladié gendarmerie training camp had previously been considered a secure location. This week’s attack comes amid a heightened security concern as Mali continues to face threats from various armed groups. Additionally, the concurrent trial involving prominent figures linked to previous corruption cases emphasizes the intersection of security and political challenges facing the nation.
The recent terrorist attack at the Faladié gendarmerie training camp has raised alarms over the security situation in Mali, particularly in Bamako amidst a backdrop of prior historical incidents of violence against public locations. The response from the Ministry of Transport emphasizes the urgency of securing areas surrounding the attack while also indicating a broader concern regarding the potential for escalating violence targeting state facilities. The initiation of a trial concerning allegations of corruption connected with major military contracts adds a layer of complexity to an already tense situation.
Original Source: www.agenzianova.com
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