Mali's Chief of Staff killed in action

Mali's Chief of Staff, General Oumar Diarra, has been killed in action in the town of Kati, located just northwest of the capital Bamako. His death is a major blow to the Malian military command during a large-scale, coordinated nationwide offensive by jihadist and rebel groups. The offensive includes attacks on Bamako's airport, the capture of Konna, and clashes across the country. The Malian junta has called for urgent blood donations as fighting intensifies.