Mali’s Defence Minister, Sadio Camara, has been killed following a car bomb attack on his residence near the capital, Bamako, amid a wave of coordinated assaults across the country.
Sources close to the family and military confirmed that the attack occurred on Saturday in Kati, a key stronghold of the ruling junta, where several top military leaders reside.
Camara was reportedly killed alongside members of his family after an explosive device detonated outside his home.
The incident formed part of a broader offensive carried out by armed groups, including factions linked to Al-Qaeda.
The attackers are believed to include the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims and the Azawad Liberation Front, who launched near-simultaneous strikes in multiple locations.
Security sources said the coordinated attacks targeted both military and strategic sites around Bamako and other regions, intensifying pressure on Mali’s military-led government.
The assault marks one of the most significant blows to the country’s leadership in recent years, raising concerns about escalating insecurity in the Sahel region.
Mali has faced persistent threats from jihadist groups and separatist movements, particularly in its northern and central areas.
Authorities have yet to release an official detailed statement on the full extent of casualties or the government’s next steps, but military operations were ongoing as of Sunday to contain the situation.
The latest violence underscores the fragile security environment in Mali, where efforts to stabilise the country continue to face serious challenges.
