Mali plunged into chaos after coordinated attacks struck multiple cities, shaking the military junta and exposing cracks in Russia’s growing influence in the region. A Russian-linked Mi-8 helicopter reportedly went down near Gao, while separatist and jihadist groups intensified pressure across key towns. The situation worsened with reports of a deadly strike on a senior minister’s residence and a suicide car bombing in Kati, a heavily guarded stronghold. As curfews are imposed and rebels claim territorial gains, questions are mounting over whether Mali’s leadership can retain control amid escalating violence.
