Mali's ruling military turns to ally Russia after massive militant attacks

Key Points:

• Mali’s junta leader, Assimi Goita, made his first public appearance since a coordinated weekend attack by Islamic militants and separatists, meeting with Russia’s ambassador in Bamako and giving a televised address promising continued military operations.
• The attacks targeted multiple cities including Bamako’s airport, Kati, Kidal, and Sevare, with the separatist Azawad Liberation Front claiming control of Kidal after Malian and Russian forces withdrew; Mali’s defense minister was killed.
• Goita accused foreign powers of supporting the attacks as part of a broader destabilization campaign, while Russia’s Defense Ministry described the offensive as a coup attempt foiled by Russian and Malian forces.
• The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that around 12,000 attackers used sophisticated weapons and that Malian troops fought for over 24 hours in Kidal before withdrawing, but the Malian government has not provided detailed information, and the Russian account could not be independently verified.
• The U.S. Embassy in Mali issued a security alert warning of possible terrorist movements in Bamako, including forced school closures, reflecting ongoing concerns about security in the capital.