Rebel checkpoints reported around Mali's capital, northern town seized

"Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) has reportedly set up checkpoints around Mali's capital, Bamako, and seized the town of Tessalit in the north, calling for an uprising against the junta."

"Videos shared on social media show armed fighters inside the Amachach base in Tessalit, with military vehicles seen driving around, indicating a significant control over the area."

"JNIM claimed to have captured the base of Hombori in central Mali and taken over two checkpoints near Bamako, threatening to completely besiege the city."

"Russia's African Corps stated that JNIM's claims about the abandonment of the Hombori base were false, asserting that they delivered ammunition to Malian forces and evacuated injured soldiers."

Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) and Tuareg separatists are escalating their attacks against Mali's military government. They have established checkpoints around Bamako and seized Tessalit. JNIM has urged Malians to rise against the junta and implement Islamic law. Recent assaults resulted in the death of Mali's defense minister. Videos show armed fighters in control of military bases, raising the FLA flag. JNIM claimed to have captured Hombori base and threatened to besiege Bamako, while Russia's African Corps disputed these claims, asserting ongoing support for Mali's military forces.

Read at www.aljazeera.com