An Al-Qaeda-linked jihadist group said on Saturday that its fighters had joined forces with Tuareg rebels to launch attacks against the army across junta-ruled Mali.

Mali has been grappling since 2012 with a security crisis over attacks by jihadist groups, as well as criminal groups and separatists.

Tuareg rebels of the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) coalition said they had seized the northern city of Kidal.

Saturday evening's statement from the jihadist Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM) said the day's attacks were a joint operation with the Tuareg FLA.

Its forces had attacked the homes of junta leader General Assimi Goita and Defence Minister General Sadio Camara, Bamako international airport and other targets, said the statement.

Witnesses reported intense fighting in Kati, a town near the capital where Goita lives and other key cities.

Video footage posted online showed armed jihadists moving through the streets of the town.

Analysts confirmed the scale of the attacks, which they said had targeted both the Malian army and the Africa Corps, the Russian military unit backing them.

"We're looking at a major coordinated offensive across the country on a level unseen since 2012 when the government lost half the country," said analyst Charlie Werb of Aldebaran Threat Consultants.

The fighting, which started at dawn, was still going Saturday afternoon on the outskirts of Bamako and in several other cities, particularly Kidal.

The Tuareg FLA said in a Facebook statement: "The city of Kidal has come under the control of our armed forces."

The JNIM also claimed the capture of Kidal, together with the FLA.

"The chances of recapturing towns like Kidal and Gao without military air support are very low," said Hazret Kargin, Africa specialist at intelligence firm Mintel World.

The junta that seized power in coups in 2020 and 2021 said it was doing so to battle the jihadists more effectively, but attacks have continued. (AFP)


Edited by Tony Sabine