Malian Army Secures Bamako After Gun Attack, Declares Capital ‘Under Control

Following a gun attack in Bamako, the Malian army assures residents that the capital is ‘under control’ with swift security measures in place. Stay updated on the situation in Mali.

According to the Malian military government, they successfully prevented a “terrorist” assault in the capital and assured that everything is now stabilized.

On Tuesday, it was announced by the military that a security sweep is underway in Bamako after successfully repelling gunmen who assaulted a center for military police. Following their takeover of power in 2021 through a coup, Mali’s military administration has been engaged in combat against insurgent factions.

On Tuesday morning, the military facility situated in the Feladie district on the southeastern periphery of the capital near the primary airport was assaulted. Eyewitnesses claimed to have heard sounds of gunfire and explosions.

“In the wee hours of this morning, a battalion of terrorists made an attempt to breach their way into Faladie [Feladie] gendarmerie school. As we speak, mop-up activities are being conducted throughout the vicinity,” declared the military in an official announcement.

Residents were advised by the military to steer clear of the area and wait for additional official reports.

According to an airport official speaking to the AFP news agency, Modibo Keita International Airport in Bamako was closed temporarily as a result of the turmoil.

READ ALSO: Army Reports Six Malian Soldiers Killed in Attack

The announcement came from a high school nearby, stating its closure “due to external events”. Meanwhile, the staff at Mali’s United Nations mission received a message advising them to refrain from moving around until further notice.

Since a series of coups in 2020 and 2021, Mali has been under the control of a military government. The country is facing serious challenges from various armed rebel groups with connections to separatism as well as al-Qaeda and ISIS (ISIL). Nevertheless, these factions have refrained from entering the capital city so far.

Mali has ceased its longstanding alliance with European partners and former colonial power France under the command of Colonel Assimi Goita, opting instead for aid from Russia and their Wagner mercenary faction.

Since 2022, the military’s offensive against rebels in the north has sparked many allegations of human rights violations against civilians by their Russian allies and themselves. These accusations are categorically denied by them.

Following the recent coup in Mali, the military has also taken control of neighboring countries Burkina Faso and Niger.