Explosions, Gunfire Reported Near Mali Military Base

Two loud explosions and sustained gunfire were heard early Saturday morning near Mali's main military base in Kati, located just outside the capital Bamako, with soldiers deploying to block roads in the area, according to Reuters and AFP reports. The cause of the explosions remained unclear, and no militant group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. Additional fighting was reported in Gao, the largest city in northern Mali, and Sevare in the central region. Mali has been battling insurgencies by West African affiliates of al-Qaeda and Islamic State for more than a decade, while also grappling with a long history of Tuareg-led rebellion in the north. Military leaders, led by General Assimi Goita, seized power following coups in 2020 and 2021, vowing to restore security in a country where militants control large areas of the north and center and frequently carry out attacks on the army and civilians. Despite earlier promises to hand over power to civilians by March 2024, the junta granted Goita a five-year presidential term in July 2025 that could be renewed without holding elections. The military government has relied on Russian mercenaries for security support while recently pursuing closer ties with the United States. Reuters reported in March that Mali and the U.S. were nearing a deal that would allow Washington to resume flying aircraft and drones over Mali's airspace to gather intelligence on jihadist groups. The junta has also cracked down on critics and dissolved political parties.