Loud blasts, gunfire heard near Mali's main military camp, witness says

BAMAKO - Two loud explosions and sustained gunfire were heard early Saturday morning near Mali's main military base Kati outside the capital Bamako, and soldiers deployed blocking off roads in the area, a Reuters witness said.

It was not clear what caused the explosions and no militant group immediately claimed responsibility for an attack.

Mali's military leaders took power after coups in 2020 and 2021, vowing to restore security in a country where militants control large areas of the north and centre and stage frequent attacks on the army and civilians.

The central Sahel country is battling insurgencies by the West Africa affiliates of al Qaeda and Islamic state. It is also grappling with a much longer history of Tuareg-led rebellion in the north.

The government led by Assimi Goita has leaned on Russian mercenaries for security support while initially spurring defence cooperation with Western countries.

Recently it has pursued closer ties with the U.S.

Reuters reported in March that Mali and the U.S. were nearing a deal that would allow Washington to resume flying aircraft and drones over the West African country's airspace to gather intelligence on jihadist groups.

Reporting by Mali newsroom; Writing by Robbie Corey-Boulet; Editing by Bate Felix/Reuters