Armed men launched an attack on a military training camp in Mali’s capital, Bamako, according to a report by state television.
The attackers, referred to as “terrorists,” struck a gendarmerie school near the city’s airport early Tuesday morning. Gunfire was heard in the city, but the situation is now “under control,” the ORTM channel reported.
Mali has been battling an Islamist insurgency for over a decade, along with several other West African nations. However, it remains unclear who was responsible for this specific attack.
The military took power in a 2021 coup, citing the previous government’s failure to effectively combat the insurgency. Yet, three years later, the violence continues.
Videos shared on social media Tuesday morning showed smoke rising from parts of the city, while witnesses told Reuters that gunfire started at around 05:30 local time (05:30 GMT).
People heading to the mosque for morning prayers reportedly turned back as shots echoed in the area.
“Combing operations” are currently taking place at the site of the attack, ORTM said.