Armed groups launch coordinated attacks across Mali

Explosions and sustained gunfire were reported in Mali's capital, Bamako, as armed groups launched co-ordinated attacks across the country into Sunday. Mali's military said on Saturday evening that efforts to repel the attacks were under way, and some militants had already fled. Fighting has also been reported around Kati, home to a major military...

Explosions and sustained gunfire were reported in Mali's capital, Bamako, as armed groups launched co-ordinated attacks across the country into Sunday.

Mali's military said on Saturday evening that efforts to repel the attacks were under way, and some militants had already fled.

Fighting has also been reported around Kati, home to a major military base outside the capital, as well as in Gao, and the central cities of Sevare and Mopti. On Sunday, gunfire resumed in Kidal in the north, according to reports.

Mali has for years been plagued by insurgencies by groups affiliated with al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group, as well as a separatist movement in the country's north.