Armed groups attacked military sites across Mali on Saturday. Targets included the capital Bamako and several other cities.

Witnesses reported explosions and gunfire near Kati. Kati is a military base outside Bamako.

It is also the home base of military ruler General Assimi Goïta. Journalists heard gunfire at Mali's international airport too.

Gunfire and explosions also hit the central town of Sévaré and the city of Gao. Reports say gunmen entered the northeastern city of Kidal and took control of some areas.

Four security sources say the al-Qaeda group JNIM was involved in the attacks. A group called the Azawad Liberation Front also claimed control of positions in Kidal and Gao.

Mali's military responded and fighting was still ongoing. France 24 reporter Wassim Nasr said it is still "too soon to tell" if Mali's military junta will fall.

Mali has been ruled by a military junta since two takeovers in 2020 and 2021. In July 2025 ruler Goïta was given a five-year presidential term without an election.