Africa-Press. The government of Mali has confirmed its complete control over the security situation in the capital Bamako, securing all entrances and international borders, and announcing progress in northern regions. It revealed the involvement of military personnel in planning and facilitating the recent armed attacks targeting vital locations.
Malian authorities also confirmed the arrival of a large supply convoy to end the fuel crisis, while investigations uncovered shocking details about the involvement of both active and retired soldiers in the recent armed assaults.
A local correspondent reported that over 800 fuel trucks arrived in the capital on Friday, entering through the southern gate under heavy military guard.
This convoy, loaded with imported fuel, is a tactical response to attempts by a militant group to impose a severe blockade on the capital to cut off vital supplies.
In a significant security development, a government statement broadcasted by state television revealed the arrest of several Malian soldiers suspected of participating in and planning the attacks that occurred last Saturday.
Authorities clarified that these individuals facilitated the arrival of militants, including fighters from the Azawad Liberation Front and the militant group, to seven strategic locations, notably the home of the Malian Minister of Defense, who was killed in the recent attacks.
According to the official statement, security agencies continue their investigations to pursue other fugitives involved in the same plot.
Situation in the North
On the ground in the regions, the government emphasized that its forces continue to advance in northern areas to regain control of locations that have fallen into the hands of militants, describing the recovery of these areas as merely a matter of time.
The Malian television confirmed the entry of the convoy of 800 fuel trucks that arrived yesterday in Bamako.
These developments come amid a complex security situation that Mali has faced for years; the transitional military council is encountering escalating challenges since assuming power, with conflicts intertwining between separatist movements in the north and groups linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State.
Tensions have intensified following the withdrawal of international peacekeeping forces and the commencement of extensive military operations by the Malian army, with support from international partners to reclaim border areas, leading to a new wave of retaliatory attacks reaching the heart of Bamako, as armed groups attempt to pressure the central authority and demonstrate their ability to breach security.
