Stories from Mali

Three people were killed and 45 others were injured in coordinated attacks in Mali. Attacks in Dagestan have resulted in three fatalities and left 45 individuals injured. The specific nature of the attacks was not detailed in the transcript. An explosion occurred near a military unit but did not result in casualties.

The defense minister of Mali was assassinated and the state of Kidal was captured. Kidal, a city in northern Mali, was retaken, forcing loyalist troops to withdraw. These attacks involved a suicide vehicle bomb targeting residents and a minister, who was wounded and later died from his injuries. Jihadists from the JNIM group, the Group for Support of Islam and Muslims, and the Tuareg independence movement's Azawad Liberation Front attacked Kidal. Following the offensives, loyalist troops have withdrawn from Kidal. Heavy military equipment was observed in Kidal, and fires were reported. A precarious calm exists in Mali three days after joint attacks by JNIM jihadists and the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA). The city of Kidal in northern Mali remains under the control of JNIM and the FLA.

The Afrika Korps has succeeded Wagner and withdrawn from Kida, evacuating the capital. Notably, Mali's allies in the Alliance of Sahel States, Burkina Faso and Niger, did not intervene or show military solidarity. Observers question the military government's ability to maintain control.

Malian military leader General Assimi Goïta has not appeared publicly since the start of hostilities, raising concerns among residents. Questions have arisen regarding the whereabouts of Malian General Assimi Goïta following a series of coordinated attacks on Saturday. The attacks targeted the Kati camp near Bamako and six other towns. The source noted that Goïta has been absent from the garrisoned city since the attacks began. Thierry Virepoulon of the French Institute of International Relations noted that Goïta's absence from the funeral of the killed Minister of Defense in Kati would indicate a problem. In Bamako, detonations were heard during the night, though no serious injuries were reported. While markets and shops are reopening, banks remain closed, possibly as a security measure, according to correspondent Serge Daniel.

Radio 24 mentioned the Africa Corps and soldiers in Ebbamaco.

The Malian army has stated that terrorist groups have agreed to a ceasefire with the United States. More commercial flights from Iran are anticipated in the coming days.

Mali is experiencing a precarious calm following attacks in rural areas. Assailants appear to have withdrawn from some attacked spaces, as they typically do after such operations. However, they are reportedly circulating in surrounding rural areas, suggesting the possibility of further attacks.

Afrika Korps forces have burned their remaining equipment and are engaged in negotiations in southern Kidal. The group, after initially denying a withdrawal, communicated their actions this morning. The situation in Mali remains complex, with reports suggesting around one hundred Afrika Korps personnel and dozens of Malian soldiers were present in Kidal. Kidal held symbolic rather than strategic importance for Russia.

Maudibo Kone, the head of Mali's intelligence services, was reportedly injured by a bullet during an attack and transported to a clinic in Bamako. However, analysts consider this outcome unlikely. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has strongly condemned the formation of the Alliance of Sahel States by Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. ECOWAS stated that the alliance threatens the entire sub-region and expressed solidarity with the Malian people. The African Union also recalled its commitment to security, good governance, and stability in Mali. The European Union reaffirmed its determination. This incident follows reports of simultaneous attacks hitting multiple Malian cities. This incident represents a escalation of violence in the region. Security forces are responding to the attacks.

The African Union and the European Union have issued a joint statement condemning terrorism and reaffirming their commitment to security and stability in Mali. Algerian Foreign Minister Armé D'attaf also reacted to the events, reiterating Algeria's position regarding the Aibraïm dossier. The French government called for the establishment of lasting peace and stability in the country. Mali's Prime Minister called on Algeria to cease supporting international terrorism and to instead promote regional peace and security. The Prime Minister's remarks at the UN General Assembly follow attacks in September that Mali claims were supported by Algeria. Russian African Corps instructors reportedly prevented the coup from succeeding by destroying enemy forces. The source stated that the militants' preparations involved participation from Ukrainian and European mercenaries.