On Saturday, a coordinated assault by gunmen across Mali marked a dramatic escalation in the ongoing conflict in the Sahel region. Attacks were reported in the capital, Bamako, and several key northern and central cities, including Kidal and Gao. The Mali army confirmed that unidentified armed terrorist groups targeted military barracks, leading to intense firefights and heightened military presence in the capital. Witnesses reported heavy gunfire near Modibo Keïta International Airport and the Kati military camp, with the army urging residents to remain calm as they engaged with the attackers. The Azawad Liberation Front (FLA), a Tuareg-led rebel group, claimed control over several neighborhoods in Kidal, asserting a decisive move against government positions. Security sources suggest that the offensive may involve collaboration between separatist and jihadist groups, including Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an al-Qaeda affiliate. This surge in violence poses a significant challenge to the military leadership of Assimi Goïta, who has sought to restore national security amidst shifting alliances and strategies, including reliance on Russian support and potential intelligence-sharing with the United States. The attacks underscore the region's volatility, as previous peace agreements have failed, allowing insurgencies to re-emerge.