Mali’s military said on Friday it had opened an investigation into the April 25 terrorist attacks carried out across the country, with initial findings indicating the alleged involvement of soldiers and politicians in the planning and execution of the assaults.

The wave of attacks had targeted several positions of the Malian military, including sites in the capital, Bamako, and Kati, as well as the residence of the Minister of Defense and Veterans Affairs Sadio Camara, the military said.

“The investigations carried out have, at this stage, established a body of solid evidence relating to the complicity of certain military personnel, dismissed soldiers, or those pending dismissal, notably their participation in the planning, coordination, and execution of the attacks,” the military prosecutor said.

The statement further cited the “notable involvement of certain political figures, including Doctor Oumar Mariko.”

Arrests made

The prosecutor noted that initial arrests have been carried out successfully, while other suspects are actively being sought.

Mali has faced persistent security challenges since 2012, marked by recurrent attacks targeting military and civilian sites.

The April 25 attacks represent a significant security incident due to their scope and the targeting of high-profile sites, including the residence of the defense minister.