Malian Army Confirms Control Over Bamako After Thwarting Gun Attack
Summary
The Malian army reported a thwarted terrorist attack on a military center in Bamako, affirming that the situation is under control. The assault, occurring in the Faladie district, resulted in gunfire and explosions. The airport was temporarily closed, and locals were advised to avoid the area. Mali’s military government has faced ongoing insurgencies since a series of coups. This attack highlights significant security challenges within the capital, despite the military’s efforts to combat rebel forces outside urban areas.
On Tuesday morning, the Malian military reported that it successfully thwarted a terrorist attack aimed at a military police center in the capital city, Bamako. In a statement, the military government declared that the situation was “under control” while ongoing security operations were being conducted in the area. Reports indicate that gunshots and explosions were heard near the Faladie district, where the military facility is situated close to the main airport. In response to the attack, Bamako’s Modibo Keita international airport was temporarily closed, and local schools were instructed to remain closed due to external threats. Residents have been advised to avoid the area until further official communications can be provided. Mali has been battling numerous armed insurgent groups since experiencing coups in 2020 and 2021, yet such attacks have typically been limited to regions outside the capital. The military government, led by Colonel Assimi Goita, has shifted alliances from European support to partnerships with Russia and the Wagner Group, raising concerns over the alleged misconduct of security forces against civilians during ongoing military operations against rebels in northern Mali.
Mali has faced ongoing instability and violence since a military coup in 2020, followed by another in 2021. The country is afflicted by armed groups, including separatists and factions affiliated with al-Qaeda and ISIS, which have been active in rural regions. The military government has struggled to maintain security and order, often relying on foreign mercenaries and shifting alliances to combat these threats. The recent attack in Bamako marks a significant escalation as the capital had been relatively insulated from such violence. Current military leadership has distanced itself from former European allies, opting instead for support from Russia, which has led to numerous allegations of human rights violations amidst the ongoing conflict.
In conclusion, the Malian military’s report of having contained a terrorist attack in Bamako highlights the persistent security challenges faced by the nation. The military government, striving to manage the influence of armed rebel groups, has adopted new alliances while managing the complexities of public safety within the capital. Continued clarity and effective communication with the public will be essential as authorities navigate this precarious environment and seek to restore stability.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
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