BAMAKO, July 4 — Insurgents staged attacks in five locations early on Saturday, including a northern town where government and Russian fighters are based and another town south of the capital Bamako, according to the Malian armed forces.

The assault targeted army positions in cities and towns including Anefis, Aguelhoc and Gao in northern Mali, Sevare in central Mali, and Kenioroba in the south.

The Malian forces said soldiers repelled the attacks and that the situation was “totally under control.” In Sevare, the army said 20 “terrorists” were killed, and in Gao it said six were killed. The statement added that one pro-government fighter was killed in Gao and four others were injured.

A spokesperson for the Tuareg-led rebel group Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) said the group was involved in Saturday’s attacks, noting that it had partnered with the regional al-Qaeda affiliate Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM) in April for a coordinated operation that included an attack on Bamako’s airport, where the defence minister was killed. Reuters said it could not immediately verify the claim, and there was no immediate responsibility claim from JNIM.

Reporting in Gao described heavy gunfire and rocket attacks targeting a military camp continuing since before dawn, with residents saying the streets were blocked and people were confined to their homes. In Sevare, Reuters reported early morning gunfire followed by large explosions.

Kenioroba is home to a prison holding members of Mali’s political opposition. A diplomatic and a security source said the prison was attacked, though one said security forces repelled the assailants.

The attacks underscore ongoing insecurity in Mali despite promises by military leaders who took power in coups in 2020 and 2021.