Mali Defense Minister Killed in Jihadist Assault

General Sadio Kamara, described as the architect of Mali's military strategy, is seen as the 'man of Moscow' in Bamako. Violence flared up over the weekend with a wave of coordinated attacks across the country. The country has been under military rule since 2020. The country has been plagued by armed rebellions from groups affiliated with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State Group since 2020. Despite increased security operations, violence flared up again this weekend. The attack occurred during an offensive launched by Al-Qaeda and northern secessionists against civilian and military targets. Military sources and family members confirmed the death. Two military sources and two relatives provided details. Details regarding the perpetrators and the specific circumstances of the attack are still emerging. Jihadists from the JNIM and Tuareg separatists from the FLA now control the symbolic northern city of Kidal. Gunfire has ceased in Bamako, but residents remain wary after two days of fighting. General Issa Kuli-Bali announced the death on state television, describing it as a cowardly terrorist incident involving a suicide vehicle bomb.