Attack on Mali's Kati Military Base Kills Defence Minister

Islamist and Tuareg fighters launched a significant attack on the Kati military base near Mali's capital, Bamako, early on April 28, 2026.

The assault involved powerful explosions and prolonged gunfire, targeting the ruling military junta and Russian mercenaries stationed there.

The attack resulted in the death of Mali's Defence Minister, Sadio Camara, who was killed when his residence in Kati was attacked.

Camara had been instrumental in negotiating military support with Russia.

The residence of Mali's leader, Assimi Goita, is also located in Kati, but he was reportedly not present during the attack.

Russian mercenaries, who maintain one of their main headquarters at the Kati base, were unable to prevent the assault.

Reports indicate that the Russians lost control of several facilities and territories they had been tasked with protecting, with some reportedly handed over without resistance.

This incident marks a critical setback for the ruling junta in Mali and the Russian African Corps, which has been supporting the government amid ongoing insurgency.

The attack underscores the deteriorating security situation and the challenges faced by foreign forces in maintaining control.

Local residents reportedly barricaded themselves in their homes during the fighting, which has continued since the initial assault on Saturday.

The Mali Foreign Ministry and sources close to the Russian Defence Ministry have accused "Western and Ukrainian forces" of being behind the Islamist attacks, alleging that Kyiv has supplied drones used against Russian troops.

Eyewitness accounts describe the army's immediate response to block roads leading to the base, although it was apparently too late to prevent the attack.

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