On April 25, 2026, Malian military forces faced a series of coordinated attacks executed by armed groups across various locations, including Bamako and northern cities such as Kidal and Gao. Residents reported intense gunfire and explosions beginning around 6 AM, particularly near Mali's main military base in Kati, just outside the capital.

The military confirmed that "unidentified armed terrorist groups targeted several locations" and noted ongoing clashes with the attackers. Witnesses in the capital reported hearing sustained auto rifle fire and two loud explosions near the Modibo Keïta International Airport, which is adjacent to an air force base.

In addition to Bamako, the northeastern city of Kidal saw violent exchanges between armed militants and government forces, with local reports indicating that factions of the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) claimed control of various neighborhoods in Kidal and Gao.

An official spokesperson for the FLA stated on social media that their forces had expanded their presence in these towns. However, these claims have not been independently verified, and the situation remains fluid.

The violence appears linked to ongoing insurgencies led by groups affiliated with al-Qaida and the Islamic State, alongside longstanding separatist sentiments in the northern regions of Mali. Reports of attacks have also emerged in the central town of Sevare.

The military junta ruling Mali since multiple coups (2020 and 2021) has been criticized for its inability to quell increasing militant violence, and the country's security situation has continued to deteriorate despite promises of restoration.

In response to the escalating unrest, the U.S. Embassy in Bamako issued a security alert advising citizens to shelter in place due to the gunfire and explosions near strategic military installations. They also recommended avoiding travel to affected areas until further notice.

This latest wave of violence underscores the growing complexity of Mali's security challenges as it grapples with both jihadist insurgencies and regional separatist movements, leading to heightened instability affecting civilians and government efforts to maintain control. As the situation develops, residents and authorities alike remain on high alert as the fighting continues.