Gunfire and explosions in Bamako after attack on military camp

Gunfire and explosions rang out in Mali's capital Bamako on Tuesday morning following an armed attack on a gendarmerie camp. The Malian army said it had brought the situation under control, calling the incident a foiled attempt at infiltration by terrorists.

The events began around 5 a.m. local time in the Faladié neighborhood, near Modibo Keïta International Airport. Witnesses reported hearing intermittent gunshots and detonations, while thick black smoke rose into the sky. As a result, the airport temporarily closed its doors, and the French school Liberté announced its closure due to the situation. UN staff were also warned to limit their movements.

According to a gendarmerie official, unidentified gunmen attacked the military camp, sparking widespread security fears. The army, in a statement, said: “Early this morning, a group of terrorists attempted to infiltrate the Faladié gendarmerie school. The situation is under control.”

Combing operations have been carried out in the area, and the Ministry of Security has called on residents to continue their activities while remaining vigilant and reporting any suspicious movements.

Mali, which has been facing a growing jihadist insurgency since 2012, has experienced two coups in 2020 and 2021. Since then, the country has been ruled by a military junta that has severed ties with France and its European partners, turning to Russia for military and political cooperation. Despite frequent jihadist attacks in the country, Bamako had so far escaped major incidents, with the last major attack occurring in 2015.

The situation remains worrying, as Mali continues to face significant security, economic and social challenges.