Malian Defense Minister Gen. Sadio Camara has died following a coordinated rebel and jihadi assault across the country. The violence struck the capital, Bamako, and several other towns on Saturday.
State media confirmed Camara's residence was targeted by a suicide car bomber. He engaged attackers before being wounded and succumbing to his injuries at a hospital. The government reported 16 wounded civilians and military personnel, with several militants killed.
In the north, the separatist Tuareg-led Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) announced its forces, alongside Russian Africa Corps troops and Malian military, withdrew from the strategic town of Kidal. The FLA declared Kidal "free" following an agreement for a peaceful exit. Malian army forces are reportedly repositioning south of Kidal.
This marks the first time separatists have joined forces with the al-Qaida-linked group JNIM for coordinated attacks. The FLA stated the operation was a partnership against the "military regime in Bamako."
The Economic Community of West African States condemned the attacks and called for a unified regional effort against the escalating militant activity. The region has seen a recent surge in attacks despite juntas in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso turning to Russia for security assistance.