Sadio Camara, Mali’s defence minister, has reportedly been killed following a large-scale raid on his residence near a key military base outside the capital, Bamako, according to media reports and family sources.
The attack occurred on Saturday in Kati, a strategic garrison town about 15 kilometers from Bamako. It was part of a broader and highly coordinated offensive led by Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an al-Qaeda-linked group active across the Sahel region.
Sources indicate the assault may have involved cooperation between JNIM and a Tuareg-led rebel faction, in what analysts describe as one of the most significant attacks Mali has faced in recent years.
A relative of Camara confirmed his death, while a Malian journalist believed to be his brother-in-law also announced the news on social media. However, Malian authorities have yet to officially confirm the reports. Government and defence ministry spokespersons have not responded to requests for comment.
Meanwhile, the Malian armed forces said military operations are ongoing across multiple regions as they attempt to contain and repel the insurgent offensive.
