Mali: Coalition attacks Kidal, Gao, Bamako

A coalition of Tuareg separatists and Al-Qaeda-linked militants launched a coordinated nationwide offensive against Mali on April 25, 2026. The main success was the capture of the northern city of Kidal, while Malian army and Russian Africa Corps units hold a key southern base. In Gao, most attacks were repelled by evening, and in the capital Bamako, a suicide bombing at the defense minister's residence preceded an assault by over a hundred militants, which was ultimately repelled. The minister survived, and government forces are now pursuing scattered militant groups in the suburbs with local support.