Two loud explosions and sustained gunfire rocked the area near Mali's main military base in Kati, outside the capital Bamako, early Saturday morning, according to AFP and Reuters. The cause of the blasts remains unknown, and no group has claimed responsibility.

A Reuters witness reported that soldiers were deployed to block roads in the area. Kati is the home of military ruler General Assimi Goita. Meanwhile, AFP reported fighting in Gao, the largest city in northern Mali, as well as in Sevare in central Mali. Gunfire was also heard near Mali's international airport, AP reported.

Mali has been grappling with a jihadi insurgency for over a decade, battling West African affiliates of al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. It also has a longer history of Tuareg-led rebellion in the north.

Military leaders seized power in Mali after coups in 2020 and 2021, vowing to restore security in the Sahel country where militants control large areas in the north and center and frequently attack the army and civilians.

Led by Goita, the military government has relied on Russian mercenaries for security support while initially pursuing defense cooperation with Western countries. Recently, however, it has pursued closer ties with the United States.

The military rulers have cracked down on critics and dissolved political parties. Although the junta had pledged to hand over power to civilians by March 2024, in July 2025, it granted Goita a five-year presidential term that could be renewed "as many times as necessary" without holding elections.

Source: www.dw.com