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Malian judicial officials are investigating several soldiers suspected of aiding militants in a series of coordinated strikes on military bases last week.
The investigation targets a group of potential accomplices that includes three active-duty personnel, a retired soldier, and a dismissed soldier who was killed during a battle near the nation’s primary military headquarters in Kati.
A military prosecutor confirmed on state television that the initial arrests have been made as authorities continue to hunt for other perpetrators and collaborators.
The simultaneous assaults, which began on April 25, were carried out by a coalition of al-Qaeda-linked insurgents and Tuareg rebels.
These attacks resulted in the death of Mali’s defence minister and the expulsion of Russian-backed government forces from the northern town of Kidal.
This surge in violence has ignited widespread conflict across northern Mali, with analysts warning that the armed groups may expand their operations into neighbouring countries.
The al-Qaeda-affiliated group JNIM has intensified its campaign, calling for a public uprising against the military government and the implementation of Sharia law.
Security sources report that the insurgents have begun establishing checkpoints around the capital, Bamako, following a vow to besiege the city.
In response, military leader Assimi Goïta has pledged to “neutralise” the insurgent factions responsible for the destabilisation.
