Mali’s Defence Minister, Sadio Camara, has been killed following a wave of coordinated attacks targeting military installations across the country.

Camara reportedly died from injuries sustained during an attack on his residence in Kati, a key military garrison town located about 15 kilometres from Bamako.

The assault, which occurred barely 24 hours before his death, involved a suicide car bomb and formed part of a broader offensive across the country.

The attacks were reportedly carried out by fighters linked to Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin, an al-Qaeda-affiliated group, alongside Tuareg rebels from the Liberation Front of Azawad.

According to Al Jazeera, the attackers were able to breach Kati, considered one of the most secure military locations in Mali.

Camara, a key figure in Mali’s military leadership, rose to prominence after playing a central role in the coups of 2020 and 2021 that brought the current junta to power.

Al Jazeera’s Nicolas Haque described his death as significant.

“He was one of the most influential figures within the ruling military leadership… His death is a major blow to the country’s armed forces,” he said.

The coordinated offensive extended beyond Kati, with gunmen attacking several locations including Bamako, Gao, Kidal and Sevare.

“As we speak, people in the garrison town of Kidal can still hear heavy gunfire and loud explosions,” Haque said, adding that the operation remained ongoing more than 24 hours after it began.

The attacks have intensified pressure on Mali’s interim leadership, with analysts suggesting that security forces were overwhelmed by the scale and coordination of the violence.

However, Interim President, Assimi Goita, was reportedly moved to safety and remains in control of the military.

International bodies, including the African Union, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, and the United States Bureau of African Affairs, have condemned the attacks and called for urgent measures to restore stability.

The President of the United States, Donald Trump, has released CCTV footage and images of the suspect involved in the shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, D.C.

The footage, released shortly before the President addressed the media, reportedly shows the suspect running into the ballroom of the Washington Hilton, bypassing security metal detectors as armed agents moved swiftly to intercept him.

Trump, who described the individual as a “would-be assassin,” said the suspect was heavily armed and had breached a critical security checkpoint.

According to reports by the BBC, the President stated that the suspect “charged past a security checkpoint” carrying multiple weapons.

Images shared by the President showed a shirtless man lying face down in the foyer with his hands restrained behind his back, believed to be the suspect.

Authorities confirmed that the individual is now in custody. Trump disclosed that one law enforcement officer was shot during the incident but survived due to wearing a bulletproof vest.

The shooting occurred on Saturday night during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, a high-profile gathering of government officials, journalists and dignitaries.

The incident triggered panic, forcing the evacuation of guests and top officials from the venue.

Authorities said investigations are ongoing to determine the motive and circumstances surrounding the security breach.

Watch the video below:

President Bola Tinubu has declared Nigeria’s support for countries in the Gulf region following rising tension linked to the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.

Naija News reports that he made this known in Abuja during a formal ceremony where he received letters of credence from several foreign diplomats. The event had representatives from countries such as Qatar and Saudi Arabia, alongside envoys from Lebanon, Sudan, Namibia, Rwanda, Somalia, Argentina, and Congo.

During the meeting, the president assured the visiting diplomats that Nigeria stands with nations in the Gulf, including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, and Jordan. He praised their calm approach in handling the situation and stressed the need for peace across the region.

Tinubu described the diplomatic gathering as an important step in strengthening Nigeria’s relationship with other countries. He encouraged the envoys to build stronger partnerships with Nigeria that would benefit both sides.

He also spoke about his government’s economic direction, saying efforts are being made to position Nigeria as an attractive destination for investors. He pointed out opportunities in areas like infrastructure, economic growth, and diaspora involvement, inviting the diplomats to explore these sectors.

On regional matters, the president restated Nigeria’s role in the Economic Community of West African States, especially in maintaining democratic order, improving trade among member states, and addressing instability in the Sahel region.

Tinubu further noted that global issues such as climate change, energy challenges, terrorism, and unfair financial systems require countries to work together.

He said Nigeria is ready to cooperate with other nations both directly and through international platforms to promote a safer and fairer global system.