BAMAKO, April 25 (Xinhua) -- Mali's armed forces said on Saturday that armed terrorist groups attempted attacks in several cities across the country earlier in the morning, adding that the situation was "under control."
In a statement issued at around 11 a.m. local time, the General Staff of the Malian Armed Forces said the attackers "immediately suffered heavy setbacks" due to the response of the armed forces.
Several terrorists were neutralized and equipment destroyed, it said, adding that sweep operations were continuing.
The General Staff called on the population to remain calm, avoid spreading videos or messages likely to fuel public concern, and rely exclusively on official channels for reliable information.
Earlier in the day, loud blasts and gunfire were heard in Kati, a garrison town near the country's capital, Bamako, local sources told Xinhua. Malian security sources said armed terrorist groups had launched simultaneous attacks on several sites and barracks in the capital and interior regions. ■
