Khaberni - The sound of two strong explosions and gunfire shook the vicinity of the main military base in Kati, Mali, on Saturday morning.
No entity immediately claimed responsibility for this mysterious security incident near the capital Bamako.
Details of the incident
A witness told «Reuters» that he heard two explosions and gunfire early in the morning near the military base, which is one of the most important military sites in the country.
The witness reported that soldiers were heavily deployed in the area and had closed the surrounding roads as a precautionary measure after the explosions.
So far, the reasons for the explosions have not been clarified, nor has any armed group claimed responsibility for the attack amid the complex security situation in the country.
Fragile security context
These developments come at a time when Mali is experiencing instability since the military leaders came to power after coups in 2020 and 2021, with their commitment to restoring security.
The state, located in the central Sahel region, faces waves of rebellion by groups affiliated with al-Qaeda and ISIS in West Africa, in addition to a long-term insurgency led by the Tuaregs in the north.
The government led by Assimi Goita has relied on Russian military contractors for security support, while initially pushing for defense cooperation with Western countries.
It has sought to strengthen relations with the United States recently.
Reuters reported in March that Mali and the United States are on the verge of signing an agreement that would allow Washington to resume flying aircraft and drones over the African country's airspace to gather intelligence on extremist groups.
