Goita Meets Russian Ambassador After Deadly Attacks
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- Assimi Goita made his first public appearance since the Saturday attacks, meeting Russian ambassador Igor Gromyko and pledging to neutralize the perpetrators.
- Sadio Camara was killed in the coordinated attacks that hit a main army base, the area near Bamako airport, and forced Russian troops out of Kidal.
- JNIM claimed responsibility for the violence, warned of a siege of Bamako and said the city was "closed off from all sides."
- Russian Defence Ministry said insurgent and separatist forces were regrouping after Russian troops helped thwart a coup attempt and pledged continued reconnaissance and defense.
- ISSP fighters entered the northeastern town of Menaka, setting up checkpoints despite no reported clashes.
- Igor Gromyko reaffirmed Russia's commitment to supporting Mali against international terrorism, according to a social‑media post from Goita's office.
Why it matters: The meeting underscores Mali's increasing reliance on Russian military support as its own security apparatus is weakened by the death of its defence minister and coordinated insurgent attacks, while the presence of both al‑Qaeda‑linked JNIM and IS fighters across the north highlights a widening insurgent front.
