Mali army reports rebel attacks on Gao, Sévaré and other northern towns

The Malian army announced on Saturday that several northern towns, including Gao and Sévaré, had come under attack by rebel forces. The statement was issued amid a fresh offensive declared by the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA), a separatist group that has been active in the region for years. According to the army, the assaults were part of a broader strategy to destabilize the northern provinces.

In a Facebook post, Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadane, a spokesperson for the FLA, confirmed that the town of Anefis was being targeted by the separatists. The announcement followed reports that the group was seeking to capture additional strategic locations in the north. The conflict, which has involved various armed factions since 2012, continues to threaten the security and stability of Mali’s northern territories.

The escalation underscores the fragile security situation in Mali, where government forces and rebel groups frequently clash over control of key towns. As the FLA expands its offensive, international observers and regional partners remain concerned about the potential for further violence and the impact on civilian populations in the affected areas.