AU Sounds Alarm Over Coordinated Attacks in Mali

(MENAFN) Coordinated terrorist attacks rocked Mali's capital and multiple regions simultaneously in the early hours of Saturday, drawing urgent condemnation from the African Union and triggering a swift military response that authorities say has brought the situation under control.

Residents across several Malian cities were jolted awake by powerful explosions and sustained gunfire, as armed groups launched near-simultaneous strikes on strategic sites and military installations in Bamako and surrounding interior regions, according to Malian security sources.

African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf responded rapidly, voicing "deep concern" over the scale and nature of the assault. In a formal statement issued Saturday, the AU confirmed that Youssouf was actively monitoring the deteriorating security situation and "strongly condemns these acts, which risk exposing civilian populations to significant harm."

The 55-nation continental bloc used the statement to reinforce its long-standing pledge to the country, with Youssouf reaffirming the organization's "steadfast commitment" to the promotion of peace, security, good governance, and stability in Mali.

By mid-morning, Malian military officials moved to reassure the public. In a statement released at approximately 11 a.m. local time, the General Staff of the Malian Armed Forces declared the situation "under control," asserting that the attackers "immediately suffered heavy setbacks" as a direct result of the armed forces' rapid and forceful response.

The attacks represent one of the most significant security incidents to strike the West African nation's capital in recent months, raising fresh alarm over the region's fragile stability.

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