Mali hit by multi-front rebel assault as army reports five town attacks

Mali's army says rebels launched coordinated attacks in five towns across the north, central, and south: Aguelhok, Anefis, Gao, Sevare and Kenieroba. The military reports casualties on both sides, including 20 attackers killed in Sevare and six in Gao, with one pro-government fighter killed in Gao; a prison in Kenieroba was attacked as security forces repelled the assailants. The Azawad Liberation Front claimed an attack on Anefis, where government and Russian troops are deployed. The strikes follow ongoing violence after April assaults that included the Bamako airport attack and broader rebel activity across the country.