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Mali's Defence Minister Sadio Camara, his second wife, and two grandchildren were killed in a car bomb attack on his home in Kati, outside Bamako, according to family and officials. The attack was part of synchronised operations by Tuareg rebels (Azawad Liberation Front) and jihadist group JNIM targeting several areas including Kidal, Gao, and Severe. Fighting resumed Sunday as rebels claimed control of Kidal and announced an agreement allowing Russian-backed Malian forces to withdraw from the city.

Key Points
  • The assassination of a top minister signals a dramatic escalation in rebel and jihadist coordination.
  • Civilians in Bamako suburbs face heightened fear and disruption after fighting reached near the capital.
  • Russian-backed forces appear to lose ground in Kidal, undermining military gains since 2023.
  • The junta faces severe pressure as Saturday's attacks are the worst since its 2020 seizure of power.
  • International condemnation may shift but Western influence in the Sahel continues to fade.
Watch whether Mali's junta can stabilise Kati and Bamako's outskirts or whether coordinated attacks spread further.

Sources: Channels Television