Fighting erupts between the Malian army and rebel forces in the Kidal region. The clash marks a new escalation in the ongoing conflict in northern Mali.

Russia advises citizens against travel to Mali following coordinated attacks by armed groups in the capital city of Bamako on April 25.

The Russian Foreign Ministry has issued a travel advisory urging Russian citizens to avoid travel to Mali following a series of coordinated attacks by armed groups in Bamako on April 25.

Mali defense minister dies in truck bomb attack at army base, per Jeune Afrique; no official confirmation.

Mali's Defense Minister Sadio Camara was killed on April 25 when a truck filled with explosives detonated near his residence at the Kati army base, Jeune Afrique reports. There is no official confirmation of this information.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemns violent attacks across Mali, urging international support to address the growing threat of terrorism in the Sahel region.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has condemned violent attacks that occurred in multiple locations across Mali on Saturday, calling for increased international cooperation to combat terrorism in the Sahel region.

Malian rebels report shooting down a Russian Africa Corps helicopter during an ongoing offensive. The crew did not survive the crash.

Malian rebels report shooting down a Russian Africa Corps helicopter during an ongoing offensive, resulting in the deaths of the crew.