In Mali, security forces killed more than 200 attackers in targeted airstrikes on Friday morning, Malian state television reported yesterday. The report, citing a statement from the General Staff of the Armed Forces, said the strikes targeted a large column of armed militants that had crossed from a neighboring border area and was allegedly preparing fresh attacks. Four pickup trucks mounted with heavy weapons and more than 60 motorcycles were also destroyed in the operation. 

On April 26, the Malian army stated that it had killed more than 100 terrorists in the western region of Koulikoro.  Armed terrorist groups launched coordinated attacks on several cities across Mali on April 25 and also targeted General Sadio Camara, the Minister of Defence’s residence in the town of Kati, near the capital Bamako, during which the Defence Minister and his wife were killed. India strongly condemned the terrorist attacks in the African nation on April 28 and expressed condolences on the demise of General Sadio Camara. The Indian Embassy in Mali has urged all Indian nationals residing in the country to remain highly vigilant following multiple attacks by armed groups across the country.