Islamist Group Attacks Bamako Military Base

The Malian government is pursuing an agreement with the United States to allow Washington to resume aerial and vehicular intelligence gathering within Malian airspace. The Al-Qaeda-linked group, Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), is implicated in the instability. No specific casualty figures were immediately confirmed in the initial reports. Mali military forces reported killing hundreds of armed militants during attempted attacks on the capital, Bamako, and surrounding areas on Saturday. Mali's ruling military junta maintains it has control of the situation despite ongoing fighting in the region. Helicopters were spotted over the Bamako international airport following an attack on a nearby military base, and top officials' locations are currently unconfirmed. Armed groups have launched attacks in Bamako and surrounding areas, targeting the headquarters of President Assimi Goïta and Defense Minister Sadio Kamara. The attackers also targeted the Bamako International Airport. The group identified as the Support Group for Islam and Muslims claimed responsibility for the assault. Militants are conducting coordinated attacks targeting the capital Bamako as well as the central cities of Mopti and Sévaré. There is speculation regarding the whereabouts of several top officials following reports of fighting near their residences. The Malian military confirmed the attacks targeted both the capital Bamako and various military camps during the early morning of April 25.