Gunfire and blasts rock Mali as attackers hit capital and other cities, residents say

Gunmen attacked several locations in Mali's capital Bamako and other cities early Saturday. The Mali army reported that "unidentified armed terrorist groups targeted certain locations and barracks in the capital" and that soldiers were "currently engaged in eliminating the attackers." An Associated Press journalist in Bamako heard sustained heavy gunfire coming from Modibo Keïta International Airport. Residents in other cities, including Kidal and Gao, also reported gunfire and blasts. The Azawad Liberation Front claimed to have taken control of several areas in Kidal and Gao. The U.S. Embassy in Bamako issued a security alert, advising U.S. citizens to shelter in place and avoid travel to affected areas.