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An AP journalist in Bamako heard sustained heavy weapons and
automatic rifle gunfire coming from Modibo Keďta International
Airport, around 15 kilometers (9 miles) from the city center,
and saw a helicopter over nearby neighborhoods. The airport is
adjacent to an air base used by Mali's air force.
A Bamako resident living near the airport also reported gunfire
and three helicopters patrolling overhead. The resident spoke on
condition of anonymity out of fear for his security.
In 2024, an al-Qaida-linked group claimed an attack on Bamako's
airport and a military training camp in the capital, killing
scores of people.
Mali, alongside neighboring Niger and Burkina Faso, has long
been battling armed groups affiliated with al-Qaida and the
Islamic State group, a fight that has escalated over the past
decade.
Following military coups, the juntas in the three countries have
turned from Western allies to Russia for help combating Islamic
militants.
But the security situation in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso has
worsened in recent times, analysts say, with a record number of
attacks by militants. Government forces have also been accused
of killing civilians they suspect of collaborating with
militants.
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Associated Press writer Mark Banchereau in Dakar, Senegal
contributed to this report.
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