Op to continue until all groups involved in April 25 attacks are neutralised: Mali’s transitional president

Bamako: Assimi Goita, Mali’s transitional president, said that operations would continue until all groups involved in the April 25 attacks are neutralised and lasting security is restored across the country.

In a televised address to the nation at 8 p.m. local time on Tuesday, Goita said the April 25 attacks, which he described as “complex, coordinated and simultaneous,” targeted Bamako, Kati, Mopti, Gao and Kidal.

He said the assailants had been dealt a heavy blow thanks to the prompt response and professionalism of the defence and security forces, adding that the attackers had sought to create a climate of generalised violence in the localities concerned, reports Xinhua news agency.

The head of state added that the security deployment had been reinforced, the situation was under control, and sweeping, search, intelligence-gathering and security operations were continuing.

Goita also paid tribute to Mali’s Defence Minister Gen. Sadio Camara, saying his passing represented “an immense loss for the Malian nation.”

He expressed condolences to bereaved families and sympathy to the wounded, while instructing the government to take all necessary measures to strengthen assistance to victims, support affected families and care for the injured.

He said the attacks were part of “a vast destabilisation plan” devised and carried out by terrorist armed groups and their internal and external backers.

Goita also called on Malians to remain vigilant, trust the defence and security forces, and not give in to rumours, panic messages or manipulation, warning that disinformation could become a weapon in the service of terrorists.

Malian Prime Minister Abdoulaye Maiga said Monday that the terrorist attacks carried out on April 25 in several cities across the country were not merely isolated incidents, but were aimed at “seizing power, dismantling the country’s republican institutions, and ending the transition process.”

Speaking at a press briefing, Maiga said Mali was plunged into mourning by simultaneous attacks in several localities, which killed the Defence Minister, along with other civilian and military victims, and left others wounded.

The attackers sought to spread fear and doubt, undermine national cohesion and weaken Mali’s determination, he said, noting that these objectives have failed.

Maiga said that under the leadership of the transitional president and supreme commander of the armed forces, Mali’s military has delivered a “forceful response,” neutralising hundreds of terrorists across the country.

The asymmetric nature of terrorist threats requires Mali to continuously adapt its security arrangements, he said, adding that lessons must be drawn from the April 25 attacks, with effective measures reinforced and necessary adjustments made to enhance security.

IANS