Mali Explodes: Separatists, Jihadists Clash, France Warns Travel

0:00On April 29th, Mali's capital, Bamako, lit up with explosions and heavy gunfire last weekend, part of coordinated hits by separatist fighters and Islamist militants across the country. And caught near the capital, a top defense leader got taken out in what looks like a suicide blast. Up north, Rebels seized control of Qadal, while clashes hit spots like Gal, Savare, and Mopdi too. These attacks came from the Azawat Liberation Front, pushing for a Twareg breakaway state in the north, teaming up with the Jihadist group Jamaat. Nusrat al-Islam, Wall Muslimin, and striking multiple fronts at once. Fighting dragged into Sunday in some areas, shaking the whole nation ruled by a military junta since a 20-20 coup. France, Mali's old colonial power, is telling its people to bounce out immediately on any available commercial flights, and they put it home till then. No trips to Mali at all, they say, calling things extremely volatile. The UK matches Dad vibe, advising against all travel

1:02and urging citizens to jet if safe. Warning land routes to neighbors are straight up deadly from. Terrorist ambushes, Mali's military boss, General Assimi Goyta, hit back Tuesday, saying the army crushed the attackers with a heavy response in the security situations. Lockdown now. He spoke publicly for the first time since the chaos kicked off. This flare-up highlights the ongoing mess from the Twareg rebellion turned Jihadist nightmare. Even after the hunt had ditched you and peacekeepers in French. Troops for Russian mercenaries, yet big chunks of the north and east still slip from government hands. Stay in informed with Global News AI-powered updates. I'm Corey with The Story.