Mali's Goïta Addresses Attacks Killing Defense Minister

Mali's military leader Assimi Goïta addressed the nation on Tuesday, three days after coordinated attacks by jihadist militants and Tuareg separatists struck multiple sites across the country, including areas near the capital Bamako and the northern town of Kidal, killing Defence Minister Sadio Camara and at least 23 others.

The assaults, which began Saturday, targeted the garrison town of Kati near Bamako, the international airport area, and several northern locations. A joint force from the al-Qaeda-linked Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims, known as JNIM, and the Tuareg-dominated Azawad Liberation Front, or FLA, carried out the offensive, described by officials as the largest coordinated rebel action in nearly 15 years. Rebel fighters captured Kidal, a strategic northern stronghold, forcing Russian Africa Corps personnel supporting Malian forces to withdraw after more than 24 hours of fighting. Malian troops also pulled back from positions in the Gao region.

Goïta, who had not appeared publicly since the attacks began, spoke on state television, stating the situation was under control. "Security arrangements have been reinforced," he said, adding that clearing...