Gao Region Under Curfew After Deadly Clashes Between Terrorists, Mali Army

BAMAKO (Mali), April 26 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- Authorities in the northeastern Gao region declared a night curfew late Saturday evening following coordinated terrorist attacks in several parts of Mali, including the capital of Bamako, in which the military is said to have killed hundreds of terrorists, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported. 

“The General Staff of the Armed Forces informs the public that a large-scale combing operation is currently underway in Bamako, Kati, and other localities inside the country affected by a complex attack carried out by Terrorist Armed Groups this Saturday, April 25, 2026,” said a military statement.

“The General Staff of the Armed Forces congratulates the FAMa (Malian Armed Forces) for their vigorous response, which routed the enemy and resulted in the neutralisation of several hundred terrorists,” it added.

The army's general staff urged the public to remain calm, stay vigilant, and avoid sharing unofficial information as assessments continue.

Gao Governor Gen. Moussa Traore announced a nightly curfew from 7.30 pm to 6.00 am, citing the security situation and calling for public cooperation.

In an earlier statement, the army said armed groups attacked multiple military sites in Bamako and other areas, triggering intense clashes, including near the international airport. Witnesses reported gunfire and explosions earlier in the day, while residents in Senou later said the situation had temporarily calmed.

Clashes between Malian forces and unidentified “terrorist groups” stopped Saturday evening in Bamako and several regions after simultaneous assaults targeted military positions and key infrastructure.

Sources at the Defence Ministry said Minister Sadio Camara is safe after his residence in Kati was targeted, though it was reportedly heavily damaged during the fighting.

In Kidal, the Front de liberation de l'Azawad (FLA), an alliance of rebel groups, claimed on social media to have seized several positions in Kidal and Gao. Images circulating online appear to show the capture of the Kidal governor's residence.

A police source told Anadolu, on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak to the media, that the airport remained under government control, with patrols stationed in surrounding areas, despite sporadic fighting in some sectors.

However, fighting persisted in parts of the capital's outskirts, including Mamaribougou, where residents reported ongoing gunfire and sightings of armed men in non-standard uniforms.

The US Embassy in Mali urged its citizens to shelter in safe places following reports of explosions and gunfire near Kati and Bamako's airport.

Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, chairperson of the African Union Commission, condemned the attacks and reaffirmed the bloc's commitment to peace and stability in Mali.

Mali has faced persistent insecurity since 2012, with armed groups regularly targeting military and civilian sites.

Gene. Assimi Goita currently leads the country, having taken power in 2021 following a military takeover.

-- BERNAMA-ANADOLU