Malian Defense Minister Killed in Coordinated Jihadi-Rebel Offensive
Malian Minister of Defense Gen. Sadio Camara was killed in a suicide car bomb attack at his residence in Kati. The assassination occurred during a massive coordinated offensive by al-Qaeda-linked JNIM and Tuareg rebels (FLA) across Bamako, Kidal, Gao, and Sevare. Rebels claimed total control of Kidal following the withdrawal of Russian-backed Africa Corps mercenaries. The government confirmed 16 wounded and imposed a three-day curfew in the capital as urban fighting continues.