Gunfire and explosions heard in Malian capital

BAMAKO, Sept. 17 (Xinhua) — Gunshots and explosions were reported Tuesday morning in Bamako, the capital of Mali, according to local media.
The violence occurred near a gendarmerie camp close to Modibo Keita International Airport, beginning around 5 a.m. local time. Roads in the area are reportedly blocked, according to sources on the ground.
Mali has been contending with a growing terrorist threat and a multifaceted crisis spanning security, politics, economy, and humanitarian issues since 2012. Following a coup on August 18, 2020, the country has been undergoing a political transition that began on September 15, 2020. ■