Attack on Mali Army Camp in Timbuktu Highlights Ongoing Security Crisis
A military camp in Timbuktu, Mali, was attacked by terrorists, leading to heavy gunfire and prompting UN warnings for staff to shelter. This violence is part of ongoing turmoil linked to jihadist groups since 2012, raising concerns over security in the region.
BAMAKO: An army camp in Timbuktu, Mali, came under attack on Monday, with heavy gunfire reported. Military sources and local officials confirmed, calling the attackers “terrorists.” The junta-ruled country has faced ongoing violence from jihadist groups affiliated with Al-Qaeda and ISIS since 2012.
A military insider mentioned the camp, located in the city center, was directly targeted. Local officials reported that the assailants arrived in a vehicle loaded with explosives, detonating it near the camp and prompting sustained gunfire in the area. A UN alert advised staff to seek shelter and avoid windows as the shooting unfolded.
Residents reported hearing heavy gunfire emanating from the vicinity of the camp. A local journalist described the atmosphere as tense, noting, “The city is under fire.” He recounted the chaos of the morning, stating, “Shots were heard near the military camp and the airport, prompting many to return home.”
Timbuktu, known historically as the “city of 333 saints” due to its revered Muslim clerics, suffered severe damage during jihadist rule from 2012 to 2013. The recent violence marks another troubling chapter in the city’s ongoing struggle with security and stability.
The attack on the army camp in Timbuktu showcases the persistent threat posed by jihadist groups in Mali. With ongoing insecurity since 2012, local authorities and citizens remain caught in a cycle of violence. The historical significance of Timbuktu adds weight to the situation, as the city navigates through these troubling times.
Original Source: www.arabnews.pk
