Jihadists and Tuareg separatists launch coordinated attacks across Mali

The assaults began around 5 AM local time, with fighting reported by the army, residents, and security sources. In Anéfis, separatists from the Azawad Liberation Front FLA claimed to have taken "several posts," with combat ongoing inside the town. Residents confirmed armed groups were present but stated the army was still resisting.

Anéfis and Aguelhok are the last remaining locations where the Malian army is present in the Kidal region following major attacks on April 25 and 26. These earlier offensives, led by the JNIM affiliated with Al Qaeda and the FLA, significantly weakened the ruling junta in Bamako and resulted in the death of the Minister of Defense, leading to the strategic northern city of Kidal falling under FLA control. In Gao, residents reported multiple gunshots and "strong detonations" near an army camp.

In Sévaré, central Mali, explosions were heard around 5 AM, followed by sightings of several aircraft. The Kéniéroba penitentiary, which holds jihadist detainees, was also attacked, with a prisoner reporting ongoing gunfire.