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

Al-Qaeda-linked fighters from Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) have reportedly set up checkpoints around Bamako and seized the town of Tessalit. These developments follow a series of attacks that resulted in the death of Defense Minister Sadio Camara. JNIM also claimed to have captured the Hombori base and taken over two checkpoints near Bamako, while videos show armed fighters in Tessalit.