Mali's army on Saturday said the situation in the country was "under control" after what it called "terrorist groups" had earlier in the morning launched attacks around the capital, Bamako, and other parts of the country.

In a statement, the army said the attackers suffered "heavy setbacks", despite shooting continuing to be heard and helicopters still flying over Bamako.

"Terrorist groups, not yet identified, early this morning targeted certain points and barracks in the capital and the interior" of the country.”

"We call on the population to be vigilant. Our defence and security forces are engaged in annihilating the attackers," the statement added.

Fighting was reported around Bamako, at Gao and Kidal in the north, and in the central city of Sevare.

Heavy gunfire was heard at Kati, in the Bamako suburbs.

The army’s statement added that "several terrorists have been neutralised and equipment destroyed".

A police source told Anadolu news agency that the airport remained under control, with patrols deployed in nearby areas.

Mali has faced persistent insecurity since 2012, with armed groups regularly targeting military and civilian sites across the country.

The country is currently ruled by Gen. Assimi Goita, who is the president of the transition. He has effectively been in power since the second military coup in May 2021, when he removed the previous interim president and took control of the transitional government.