Fighting resumes near Mali capital after coordinated nationwide attacks

BAMAKO — Fighting resumed in the garrison town of Kati near Mali’s capital Bamako, residents and local sources said, a day after coordinated attacks targeted military positions across the country.The renewed clashes come amid heightened tensions following a series of violent incidents, including an attack near the residence of Defense Minister Sadio Camara and renewed fighting in the northern town of Kidal.The attacks were condemned by the African Union, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the United States Bureau of African Affairs.Resident Zan Coulibaly said warning shots were heard in Kati but added that the situation later appeared under control.In northern Mali, clashes resumed early Sunday in Kidal, according to National Transitional Council member Amadou Albert Maiga.A statement from Mohamed Almaouloud Ramadane said an agreement had been reached between Azawad forces and elements of the Russian Africa Corps to allow their safe withdrawal from fighting zones.The statement also claimed several fighters from the GATIA, led by Gen. El Hadj Ag Gamou, had defected.It added that Malian army positions in former UN mission camps were under sustained fire aimed at forcing troops out of bunkers.French media outlets Le Figaro and Jeune Afrique reported that Camara and some family members were killed in the attack on his residence, but no Malian official source confirmed the claim.Security was visibly tightened across Bamako, including near a private clinic where witnesses said a senior military officer was receiving treatment.Access was also restricted around the headquarters of ORTM, where barricades and heavy security were reported.Security patrols continued through several neighborhoods of the capital overnight.Separately, the Malian army reportedly returned to Sevare in the Mopti region.A witness in Mopti said banks in the town were looted by armed men and several bodies were seen in the streets before attackers withdrew to areas around 50 kilometers away.Despite widespread unrest and looting, reports said armed groups had not seized military camps after heavy fighting.