Photo credit: AP News
Islamic militants on Tuesday attacked a military training camp and other locations in Bamako, Mali’s capital.
Fox News reports that the attack sparked a deadly gunbattle and the temporary closure of a nearby airport. Troops were then able to subdue the assailants, according to officials. However, no details of casualties were immediately released.
The militants attempted to infiltrate the Faladie gendarme school in Bamako. However, according to Oumar Diarra, the army Chief of Staff, a counterattack by government forces neutralized their efforts.
A security officer later told the Associated Press that the attack caused loss of life and material damage. However, he didn’t provide details. He further said at least 15 suspects were arrested.
The al-Qaida-linked militant group JNIM claimed responsibility for the attacks on its website Azallaq. JNIM posted videos showing fighters setting a plane ablaze at the airport. The group claimed to have inflicted “major human and material losses.”
