Gunmen attacked a military police base in Bamako, Mali, early Tuesday, causing gunfire and explosions, leading to the temporary closure of the airport.

Gunmen attacked a military police base in the Malian capital of Bamako early Tuesday morning. The assault sparked an intense exchange of gunfire and explosions, according to local sources and witnesses.

The attack began around 5:00 am, creating chaos and causing black smoke to rise near the airport. An official confirmed the temporary closure of the airport but did not provide details on its reopening.

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A police source, who spoke anonymously, reported that armed men targeted at least one military police base, although their identities remain unknown. During the incident, worshipers in a nearby mosque were trapped as the gunfire erupted during morning prayers.

In response to the situation, the French school Liberte announced it would remain closed for the day. UN personnel in Bamako received advisories to limit their movements until further notice.

Mali has been under military junta control since the coups of 2020 and 2021. However, Bamako has generally been spared from attacks by active separatist and jihadist groups.

In recent years, Mali’s military leaders have altered their alliances, severing ties with European partners. Instead, they have formed partnerships with Russia and the Wagner mercenary group to regain control over the northern region.

Despite these efforts, there have been reports of civilian abuses, which the military and its Russian allies deny.