Mali Army Kills Over 100 Terrorists in Western Region Sweep

The General Staff of the Armed Forces said in the statement that during sweep operations following Saturday's terrorist attacks, Malian air assets detected a column of motorcycles moving toward a hideout west of the locality of Kolokani in the Koulikoro region.

Airstrikes were then carried out against the target, killing more than 100 terrorists and destroying their logistics, according to the statement, reported Xinhua news agency.

The army added that terrorist groups will be tracked down across the national territory.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the government said several military positions and localities, including Kati, a garrison town near Bamako, the country's capital, had come under attacks by armed terrorist groups.

Mali Defence Minister 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, local sources reported.

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 on Saturday evening, the government of the West African nation said the attacks targeted multiple locations, including the garrison towns of Kati, Sevare, Gao and Kidal, as well as the capital, Bamako, reported Xinhua news agency.

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

The Indian Embassy in Mali has urged all Indian nationals residing there to remain highly vigilant following multiple attacks by armed groups across the country on Saturday.

"Due to recent security developments and reported attacks in Kati and other parts of Mali, the Embassy of India in Bamako urges all Indian nationals residing in Mali to remain highly vigilant, exercise utmost caution, stay indoors, and strictly follow the instructions issued by the Malian authorities from time to time," read an advisory issued by the Indian Embassy.

It mentioned that the Embassy, in coordination with the Malian authorities, is closely monitoring the evolving situation and will issue further updates, as required.

- IANS