Mali Defence Minister killed in terrorist attack

Bamako: Mali Defence Minister Sadio Camara was killed in an attack on his residence in the town of Kati, near the capital Bamako, carried out by armed terrorist groups, local sources reported.

According to the sources, who requested anonymity, armed terrorist groups launched coordinated attacks on several cities across the country on Saturday, leaving 16 people wounded. Camara’s residence in Kati was also targeted, and both the minister and his second wife were killed.

In a statement on Saturday evening, the government of the West African nation said the attacks targeted multiple locations, including the garrison towns of Kati, Sevare, Gao and Kidal, as well as the capital, Bamako, reported Xinhua news agency.

The wounded, including civilians and military personnel, were taken to medical facilities, and the material damage was limited, the statement added.

As of Sunday, the government had not issued an official statement confirming the minister’s death.

The General Staff of the Malian Armed Forces said on Sunday that search operations against armed terrorist groups were continuing in Kidal, Kati and other parts of the country following Saturday’s attacks.

In a separate statement, the army said the attacks were aimed at disrupting the country’s defence system and spreading fear and chaos.

It added that alert levels had been raised nationwide, curfews imposed, large-scale patrols intensified, and checkpoints reinforced to enhance surveillance against security threats.

The General Staff reaffirmed that the Malian Armed Forces remain committed to defending the country’s territorial integrity and ensuring national security.

It also called on the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the relevant authorities.

The Indian Embassy in Mali has urged all Indian nationals residing there to remain highly vigilant following multiple attacks by armed groups across the country on Saturday.

“Due to recent security developments and reported attacks in Kati and other parts of Mali, the Embassy of India in Bamako urges all Indian nationals residing in Mali to remain highly vigilant, exercise utmost caution, stay indoors, and strictly follow the instructions issued by the Malian authorities from time to time,” read an advisory issued by the Indian Embassy.

It mentioned that the Embassy, in coordination with the Malian authorities, is closely monitoring the evolving situation and will issue further updates, as required.

IANS