India condemns terror attacks in Mali that killed Defence Minister Sadio Camara

India on Tuesday condemned the coordinated terrorist attacks in Mali that killed the country's Defence Minister, General Sadio Camara, along with several others, and expressed solidarity with the Malian government and its people.

"India strongly condemns the terrorist attacks in Mali targeting multiple locations. We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and express our solidarity with the Government and people of Mali in this difficult time," the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement. "India reiterates its firm commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and supports efforts to ensure peace and stability in the region."



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Mali was struck by one of the biggest coordinated attacks on its army, hitting the capital Bamako and several other cities and towns. Gunmen attacked several locations across the country, including Bamako, as well as Gao and Kidal in the north and the central city of Sevare.

The Malian government confirmed the death of defence chief General Sadio Camara in a post on the defence ministry's Facebook page. The announcement was also broadcast on state-run television by spokesman General Issa Ousmane Coulibaly.

According to the government statement, Camara's residence was targeted by a suicide car bomber and other attackers on Saturday. "He engaged in an exchange of fire with the assailants, some of whom he managed to neutralize," the statement said.

"During intense clashes, he was wounded and then transported to the hospital, where he unfortunately succumbed to his injuries." Camara's second wife and two of his grandchildren were also killed in the attack on his home, according to AFP.

The attacks were carried out by fighters from the al-Qaeda-linked Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), along with Tuareg fighters from the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA).


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The Malian government said the attacks appear to be over, but several questions remain, including who was in control of the key northern city. The government said at least 16 people were wounded and that several militants were killed, but did not provide a full death toll. A three-day overnight curfew from 9 pm to 6 am was also announced for the Bamako district.

The Economic Community of West African States condemned Saturday's attacks and called on "all states, security forces, regional mechanisms and populations of West Africa to unite and mobilize in a coordinated effort to combat this scourge."

The African Union, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, the United States Bureau of African Affairs, and the EU also condemned the attacks.