Malian military foils attack on gendarmerie school in capital

BAMAKO, Mali (AA) – The military administration in Mali announced that it foiled a “terror” attack on a training school for security personnel in the capital Bamako.

Gunshots were heard near Faladie Gendarmerie School, which continued for at least three hours.

A statement by the General Staff of Mali Armed Forces said “a group of terrorists attempted to infiltrate the Faladie gendarmerie school.”

“Search operations are currently underway throughout the area. The situation is under control,” said the statement, urging people to “remain calm and follow the instructions of the security forces.”

Security sources reported that bodies were lying near the gendarmerie school.

Several people have also been wounded.

Video footage from the gunfire site showed local residents apprehending “terrorists” and handing them over to the Malian soldiers.

The Mali military administration has also shut down Bamako international Airport, sources said.

As the incident unfolded, people faced problems of slow mobile internet in the capital.

Mali, a former French colony, has struggled with political instability as a result of neocolonial interventionism. The Malian government, striving to rid itself of influence from France and its Western allies, often finds itself embroiled in battle against local militant groups.