More than 70 killed in Mali attack: What happened, why it matters
Al Jazeera
This is the first major attack on Bamako since 2015 when fighters targeted foreigners in a nightclub and hotel.
An estimated 77 people have been killed in an attack on Mali’s capital, Bamako, according to the AFP news agency.
About 200 others were injured in the attack, which took place on Tuesday and caused hospitals to be overwhelmed with wounded patients, a diplomat who asked to remain anonymous told the news agency. It’s unclear how the victims were wounded; however, residents reported gunshots and explosions. There was also smoke from apparent fires coming from buildings.
Malian authorities closed Modibo Keita International Airport after the attack.
Mali’s military government downplayed the incident with officials stating the situation was “under control” and the attack had been repelled. Officials later admitted the military had suffered casualties.
State TV station ORTM showed images of about 20 suspects believed to have been involved in the attack wearing blindfolds and with their hands tied. It was reported they had been captured by the military. “The sweep continues,” army Chief of General Staff Oumar Diarra said.
