Mali’s Defence Minister Sadio Camara, his wife, and two grandchildren have been killed in a car bomb attack on his home near Bamako, family members confirm. The blast in the town of Kita strikes a devastating blow against the ruling junta as nationwide fighting intensifies.

Coordinated assaults by Tuareg rebels from the Azawad Liberation Front and JNIM jihadists have targeted multiple regions. Heavy fighting resumed in Kidal, Gao, and Sévaré, with rebels claiming control of Kidal and alleging an agreement for Malian and Russian-backed forces to withdraw. The army had retaken Kidal in 2023 with Wagner support.

Despite government assurances that the situation is under control, residents describe fear and trauma after explosions and gunfire rocked several cities. The violence marks a sharp escalation in Mali’s long-running conflict.

janus