Explosions and gunfire have been reported in multiple locations in Mali

Bamako News: Officials with Mali’s security services said that on the morning of the 25th, explosions and gunfire were reported in multiple places across the country, suspected to be a coordinated attack targeting Malian armed forces bases. Xinhua reporters learned from Mali’s security officials that the attack involved areas near the capital Bamako, including the garrison town of Kati, parts of the Bamako International Airport area, the northeastern Kidal Region and Kidal City, the northern Gao Region and Gao City, as well as Sevare City in the central Mopti Region. Between 5:00 a.m. and 5:30 a.m. that day, Xinhua reporters heard two loud explosions coming from the direction of Kati. Kati is an important garrison town in Mali, where the residences of Mali’s transitional president Goïta, the defense minister, the justice minister, and other officials are located. Kati resident Adama Dembélé said that their home was severely damaged by the shockwave from the explosions: “My family and I are trapped inside the house and cannot go out. Until now (around 9 a.m. local time), we can still hear gunfire.” (Xinhua)