Terrorist Attack Rocks Mali’s Capital, Bamako

In a shocking turn of events, Mali’s capital, Bamako, was hit by a terrorist attack early Tuesday morning, September 17. The attack, carried out by Al-Qaeda affiliate group JNIM, targeted both the Faladié gendarme school and the military base near the Modibo Keita Senou airport.

According to a security official, the situation was brought under control later in the day, and the army chief of staff, General Oumar Diarra, visited the camp to urge the Malian people to fight against division and amalgams. In a statement, General Diarra emphasized that the attack was carried out on purpose and that the Malian people must not let others pit them against each other.

The general also called on the residents to provide information to the authorities, stating that their support has been substantial in helping to pick up suspects and conduct ongoing investigations. At least 15 suspects have been arrested, and “all the terrorists” who raided the school were neutralized.

The attack resulted in the deaths of students and soldiers, with a statement from national broadcaster ORTM 1 confirming the casualties. An official speaking on condition of anonymity to AP confirmed that “material damage” was also recorded, but did not provide specifics.

The JNIM militant group released a video showing fighters setting fire on a presidential plane and pavilion near the airport in Bamako. The army is conducting a security sweep after fighting off the gunmen.

This is the first attack in Bamako in years, as terror groups seek to heap pressure on Mali’s military. The attack comes just a few days before the country’s Independence Day, scheduled for September 22. In 2022, gunmen struck a Malian army checkpoint about 60 kilometers outside the city, killing at least six people and wounding several others. In 2015, another al-Qaida linked extremist group killed at least 20 people, including one American, during an attack on a hotel in Bamako.