Mali’s defence minister killed in suicide bombing

Kathmandu. Mali’s Defence Minister Sadio Camara has been killed in a suicide truck bombing by rebels.

He was killed in a joint attack by jihadist rebels and separatist groups at his residence near the capital Bama, the BBC reported.

State television also confirmed Kamara’s death. Three members of the defence minister’s family were also killed in the attack. The rebels also targeted the home of the junta’s chief general, Assimi Goita, who was moved to safety.

Al-Qaeda-linked jihadists and Tuareg separatist groups (FLA) have carried out simultaneous attacks in different parts of the country.

Rebels claim Russian mercenaries supporting Mali’s forces have agreed to withdraw from the northern city of Kidal.

The rebel group FLA has declared that the city of Kidal is now in full control. The government has been put on high alert across the country and a night curfew has been imposed in the capital Bama.

Mali’s junta government, which seized power in a military coup in 2020, has pledged to improve security, but rebel violence has plagued the country.