The attack involved a truck bomb and a shell thrown towards the air force courtyard, followed by sporadic gunfire.

Mali's Armed Forces (FAMAs) were able to thwart the attack with loud explosions and gunfire that began at 5:30 AM on Saturday, according to a statement by the General Staff.

Another car bomb was neutralized by defense and security forces near the airport's northeast side. The situation was quickly understood and controlled by the military, and sweeps are currently underway.

The regional governor described the attack as “fatal” and “terrifying”, causing many casualties, including children and pregnant women.

The UN's recent report indicated that the number of civilians killed in Mali has more than doubled between 2021 and 2022, with a total of 1,277 people killed in 2022 in violence attributable to various actors, compared to 584 in 2021.

Mali has been facing a security crisis since 2012, fueled by separatist claims and terror attacks, particularly in the north and center of the country.

The head of the UN Mission in Mali deplored the continuing violence perpetrated by armed groups in some parts of the country. (ILKHA)