Automatic gunshots were heard on Tuesday morning near the gendarmerie school in Faladié, a suburb of Bamako in an apparent terrorist attack which has been quelled.
According to witnesses, the shots began at around 5 a.m. and continued until around 7.50 a.m., causing confusion among residents. The Support Group for Islam and Muslims (GSIM), which is linked to al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) have claimed responsibility for the attack.
In an official statement, the General Staff of the Armed Forces (EMGA) confirmed that terrorists had attempted to infiltrate the gendarmerie school.
The Malian armed forces (FAMa) reacted swiftly and in a coordinated manner to bring the situation under control. Clearing operations continue to neutralise any remaining threat.
Meanwhile, Madina Sissoko Dembelé, Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, announced a temporary restriction on access to the President Modibo KEITA Sénou International Airport, located near the scene of the attack.
He urged users to remain calm and assured them that the restrictions would be lifted shortly, with an official statement to follow.
Visiting the scene of the attack, General Oumar Diarra, Chief of Staff of the Malian Armed Forces, said that the situation was under control and called on the population to remain calm and to respect the security instructions issued.
He stressed that the Malian armed forces were professional and committed to the fight against terrorism.
The Chief of Defence Staff also urged people not to confuse the two, pointing out that the aim of terrorists is to sow division.
Those arrested will be handed over to the gendarmerie for investigation. Searches are continuing in the area.
This is not the first time that Bamako has been the target of terrorist attacks. In 2015, the Radisson Blu hotel was attacked, killing 20 people, including foreigners.
In 2017, the Kangaba tourist camp was also attacked, killing around 20 people. Military installations have also been targeted: in 2014, the Kati military base suffered a deadly attack, followed by another attack on this strategic base in March 2022, causing casualties among Malian soldiers.
AC/lb/as/APA