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The army of Mali stated that it had managed the situation in the capital following an unsuccessful attempt by “terrorists” to infiltrate the Faladie military police school and other undisclosed areas. Mali’s army said in a statement that it had control of the situation in the capital after what it called a foiled infiltration attempt by “terrorists” into the Faladie military police school as well as other unspecified locations.
On Tuesday, there was an attack by Jihadis on a military training camp near the airport in Mali’s capital, accompanied by explosions heard in the area. The government promptly announced the temporary closure of the airport in Bamako.
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A security official said there was unspecified loss of life and significant damage, without elaborating.
A sweep operation was underway after gunmen attempted to infiltrate the Faladie gendarme school, the military said in a statement. The army said the situation was under control and asked people to avoid the area.
The armed extremists who attacked the military training camp have since been neutralized, Oumar Diarra, the army chief of staff, said on national television.
Later, the military confirmed that the attack took place in “multiple locations,” without providing details.
JNIM, which is linked to al-Qaida, claimed responsibility for the attack. Through its media arm, the website Azallaqa, the group said that it had inflicted “major human and material losses” and set aircraft on fire. Militant groups often exaggerate their claims.
Earlier in the day, an Associated Press reporter heard two explosions and saw smoke rise in the distance of the camp and airport, both located on the outskirts of the city.
A security official told the AP that the attackers entered the training camp, causing a “loss of life and material damage,” but didn’t provide any numbers or specifics. He said they attacked both the training camp and the military base near the airport.
At least 15 suspects were arrested, said the official, who was inside the base at the time of the attack. He spoke on condition of anonymity because he wasn’t authorized to talk to reporters.
Following the assault, the airport in Mali was shut down by the authorities. Mohamed Ould Mamouni, who serves as the communications officer at the ministry of transport, stated that flights were halted indefinitely due to the gunfire
The U.S. Embassy in Bamako told its staff to remain at home and stay off the roads.
