San Francisco Frontiers - Jihadists, Tuareg rebels, claim attacks across Mali

Helicopters buzzed over Bamako and around the international airport and fighting was reported at a nearby military base in what was one of the most complex attacks in years in the impoverished west African country.

Mali has been grappling since 2012 with a security crisis over attacks by jihadist groups, as well as criminal groups and separatists.

The junta that seized power in coups in 2020 and 2021 said it was doing so to battle the jihadists more effectively, but attacks have continued.

Thousands of people have died since the jihadist turmoil erupted, with tens of thousands seeking refuge in neighbouring countries.

On Saturday, the army said it was battling what it called "terrorist groups" that had launched surprise dawn attacks around the capital Bamako and other parts of the country.

Tuareg rebels of the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) coalition said they had seized the northern city of Kidal.

Saturday evening's statement from the jihadist Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM) said the day's attacks were a joint operation with the Tuareg FLA.

"Together, we are carrying out a veritable transformation, in the service of religion, of the country and of the people," it added.

Its forces had attacked the homes of junta leader General Assimi Goita and Defence Minister General Sadio Camara, Bamako international airport and other targets, said the statement.

Witnesses reported intense fighting in Kati, a town near the capital where Goita lives and other key cities. Video footage posted online showed armed jihadists moving through the streets of the town.

- 'Major coordinated offensive' -

Analysts confirmed the scale of the attacks, which they said had targeted both the Malian army and the Africa Corps, the Russian military unit backing them.

"We're looking at a major coordinated offensive across the country on a level unseen since 2012 when the government lost half the country," said analyst Charlie Werb of Aldebaran Threat Consultants.

A Malian army statement said: "Terrorist groups... early this morning targeted certain points and barracks in the capital and the interior" of the country.

The fighting, which started at dawn, was still going Saturday afternoon on the outskirts of Bamako and in several other cities, particularly Kidal.

African Union chair Mahmoud Ali Youssouf denounced the violence, which risks "exposing civilian populations to significant harm".

- 'Heavy' fighting -

Fighting was reported around Bamako, at Gao and Kidal in the north, as well as in the central city of Sevare.

One resident said jihadists had taken a military camp in the Samakebougou neighbourhood of Kati and that there was "heavy" fighting.

The junta chief's whereabouts were unknown.

There was also intense speculation over Defence Minister General Sadio Camara after residents said a powerful blast had destroyed most of his home in Kati. Camara's entourage insisted he was "safe".

The streets of the capital were deserted amid sporadic firing, an AFP correspondent reported.

- Governor 'taken refuge' -

The Tuareg FLA said in a Facebook statement: "The city of Kidal has come under the control of our armed forces."

An FLA spokesman, Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadane, told AFP: "Our FLA troops control Kidal, most of Kidal.

"The governor of Kidal has taken refuge with his men in the former camp of MINUSMA," he added, referring to the former UN mission in Mali.

The JNIM also claimed the capture of Kidal, together with the FLA.

"The chances of recapturing towns like Kidal and Gao without military air support are very low," said Hazret Kargin, Africa specialist at intelligence firm Mintel World.

Russia's Africa Corps, an organisation under the direct control of the Russian defence ministry has taken over from the mercenary Wagner group in helping Malian forces fight jihadists.

- Ties severed with West -

Mali has resources including gold and other valuable minerals.

Mali's rulers, like their military counterparts in neighbouring Niger and Burkina Faso, have severed ties with former colonial ruler France and several Western countries, moving closer to Russia.

L.Lopez--SFF