Malis Defence Minister Sadio Camara killed in coordinated military attacks

Mali’s Defence Minister General Sadio Camara Killed in Coordinated Attacks

General Sadio Camara, Mali’s Defence Minister, has been killed in a series of coordinated attacks on military sites across the country. The attack occurred at his residence in Kati, a garrison town located approximately 15km northwest of Bamako, the capital city.

According to sources, Camara was one of the key figures within the ruling military leadership that seized power following back-to-back coups in 2020 and 2021. His death has been reported by Al Jazeera, with reports indicating that attackers launched a suicide car bomb assault on his residence.

Simultaneous attacks were also carried out at other locations across Mali, including Bamako, Gao, Kidal, and Sevare. The African Union, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, and the United States Bureau of African Affairs have condemned the attacks.

Al Jazeera’s Nicolas Haque reported that Camara was a central figure in the military government and had been seen as a possible future leader of Mali. He stated that the attack on Camara’s residence was carried out by fighters from the al-Qaeda-linked Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin, along with Tuareg fighters from the Liberation Front of Azawad.

Interim President Assimi Goita has been under pressure since the offensive, but according to Haque, he is “alive and well in a secure location” and remains in command of the military. The situation remains ongoing, with reports of heavy gunfire and loud explosions still being heard in Kidal.

Source: Al Jazeera