Mali's Defense Minister Killed in Terrorist Attack on Residence

Mali's Defense Minister Killed in Terrorist Attack on Residence

Mali's Defense Minister Sadio Camara was killed in a terrorist attack on his residence, government spokesman Issa Coulibaly announced. In a coordinated terrorist attack on the Malian capital, Bamako, and surrounding towns, Malian Defense Minister General Sadio Camara was killed on Saturday, April 25, 2026. The attack targeted the Defense Minister's residence in Kati, a suburb of Bamako and a stronghold of the military junta. According to official and media reports, a vehicle laden with explosives, a so-called car bomb suicide attack, detonated on the grounds of his residence. Camara initially survived the explosion but later succumbed to his severe injuries in the hospital. According to family sources, his second wife and two grandchildren also died. “He engaged in a firefight with the attackers… was wounded and subsequently taken to the hospital, where he unfortunately succumbed to his injuries,” the spokesman said. In addition to Camara’s residence, the house of junta leader General Assimi Goita, Bamako International Airport, and military installations in several cities were also attacked. The attack is attributed to Jama'at Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM), which is affiliated with al-Qaeda. It occurred as part of coordinated attacks on multiple locations across the country. The government in Bamako described the events as part of a major, coordinated offensive and declared two days of national mourning in Mali. The attack is considered one of the most serious blows to the military leadership in Mali in years and underscores the continued strength of jihadist and Tuareg groups despite the withdrawal of French troops and the presence of Russian mercenaries.