Explosions and heavy gunfire have been reported in Mali’s capital, Bamako, as armed groups carried out what appears to be carefully planned attacks across the country.

The military announced on Saturday that “fighting is ongoing,” stating that defence and security forces are actively working to push back the attackers.

Witnesses speaking to Reuters described explosions and gunfire near Kati, an area that hosts a major military base outside the capital. Soldiers have been sent to the المنطقة and have blocked roads to control movement.

Reports also indicate attacks in the northern cities of Gao and Kidal, as well as in Sevare in central Mali. One analyst described the situation as the largest extremist attack seen in years.

Mali has faced years of violence from extremist groups linked to Al-Qaeda and Islamic State, along with a separatist movement in the north.

Early reports suggest that the separatist Azawad Liberation Front focused its attacks mainly on northern cities. At the same time, the extremist group Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin carried out attacks in several places at once across the country.

The military said it was battling unidentified “terrorist groups” and claimed the situation was under control. However, some unconfirmed information suggests that clashes are still continuing.

While many residents say most parts of the capital remain calm, there are still reports of gunfire in certain areas. Security checkpoints have been set up on roads leading to the airport, and vehicles are being searched.

One resident returning to Bamako from Ethiopia said that all flights into the city were cancelled early on Saturday. It is still unclear how much the attacks have affected the airport.

The UK Foreign Office has warned against all travel to Mali and reported that Bamako International Airport was temporarily closed.

Ulf Laessing described the incident as the largest co-ordinated extremist attack in Mali in many years.

Mahmoud Ali Youssouf said he was following events with deep concern and strongly condemned the violence, warning that civilians could face serious harm.

The US State Department also condemned the attacks and expressed sympathy for victims and their families, stating support for the people and government of Mali.

The US Embassy in Mali advised its citizens to stay indoors and avoid travel, citing explosions and gunfire near the airport and around Kati.

Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadane claimed on social media that FLA forces had taken control of Kidal and were expanding into central areas of Gao.

He shared videos that appeared to show fighters taking over a military camp used by Malian forces and Russian mercenaries in Kidal, as well as a helicopter reportedly shot down near Gao. These claims have not been independently confirmed.

The FLA has long pushed for an independent state called Azawad in northern Mali, where it already controls large areas.

Ramadane also called on neighboring countries Burkina Faso and Niger not to get involved in the conflict.

Mali is currently led by a military government under Assimi Goïta, who took power in a coup in 2020 and promised to improve security and fight armed groups.

The government initially had strong public support, with many hoping it would solve the long-running crisis that began with a Tuareg rebellion in the north, later taken over by extremist groups.

After the military took control, both UN peacekeeping forces and French troops withdrew from Mali. The government then turned to Russian mercenaries to help fight insecurity.

Despite these efforts, extremist violence continues, and large parts of northern and eastern Mali remain outside government control.