Mali defense minister killed as coordinated attacks hit multiple cities: sources

BAMAKO -- Defense Minister of Mali Sadio Camara was killed in an attack on his residence in the town of Kati, near the capital Bamako, carried out by armed terrorist groups, sources told Xinhua on Sunday.

According to the sources, who requested anonymity, armed terrorist groups launched coordinated attacks on several cities across the country on Saturday, leaving 16 people wounded. Camara's residence in Kati was also targeted, and both the minister and his second wife were killed.

In a statement issued on Saturday evening, the government said the attacks targeted multiple locations, including the garrison towns of Kati, Sevare, Gao and Kidal, as well as the capital, Bamako.

The wounded, including civilians and military personnel, were taken to medical facilities, and that material damage was limited, the statement added.

As of Sunday morning, the government had not issued an official statement confirming the minister's death.

The General Staff of the Malian Armed Forces said on Sunday that search operations against armed terrorist groups were continuing in Kidal, Kati and other parts of the country following Saturday's attacks.

In a separate statement, the army said the attacks were aimed at disrupting the country's defense system and spreading fear and chaos.

It added that alert levels had been raised nationwide, curfews imposed, large-scale patrols intensified, and checkpoints reinforced to enhance surveillance against security threats.

The General Staff reaffirmed that the Malian Armed Forces remain committed to defending the country's territorial integrity and ensuring national security.

It also called on the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the relevant authorities.