Mali says capital ‘under control’ after insurgent attack

Mali said on Tuesday that the capital Bamako was under control after an attack by insurgents on a gendarmerie training school and other areas of the city.

In a statement, the army said “mopping-up operations are under way”.

The national broadcaster told Malians that search and rescue operations were taking place, that the situation was under control and to remain calm and follow the instructions of the security forces.

Footage showed a mob burning what was said to be the remains of one of the suspected assailants.

Mali is one of several West African countries fighting a jihadist insurgency in the Sahel.

Thousands in the region have been killed and millions displaced as the militants have advanced and amid military efforts to push them back.

Both governments and insurgents, some of whom have links to al Qaeda and Islamic State, have been accused of violence against civilians.

Frustration with authorities’ inability to restore order has contributed to two coups in Mali as well as military takeovers in neighboring Burkina Faso and Niger.

But jihadist attacks have escalated despite the juntas’ promises to improve security.

It is, however, rare for insurgents to strike inside the capital.