Militants on the streets in Kidal, northern, Mali
NEW DELHI: The ministry of external affairs on Tuesday issued a statement condemning the “terrorist attacks” in Mali across multiple locations. “India strongly condemns the terrorist attacks in Mali targeting multiple locations. We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and express our solidarity with the Government and people of Mali in this difficult time. We also express our sincere condolences on the demise of General Sadio Camara, Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs of Mali in the terror attack,” said the MEA in a press release. “India reiterates its firm commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and supports efforts to ensure peace and stability in the region,” it added.Mali is reeling from its biggest coordinated militant attack in over a decade, with al-Qaida-linked groups and Tuareg separatists launching near-simultaneous strikes on key sites, including Bamako’s airport, the Kati garrison town, and multiple cities in the north and centre. A car bomb attack reportedly killed the defence minister, while insurgents claimed control of the strategic northern city of Kidal. The assault marks a sharp deterioration in security despite Russian backing of the military government, with insurgents intensifying operations and weakening state control across the country.
