Terrorist groups launch coordinated attacks across Mali

Explosions and sustained gunfire have been reported in Mali's capital Bamako as armed terrorist groups launch apparently coordinated attacks across the country.

In a statement on Saturday the military said "fighting is ongoing", adding "our defence and security forces are currently engaged in repelling the attackers".

Witnesses have told the Reuters news agency of explosions and gunfire around the Kati military base, a major installation outside the capital. Soldiers have been deployed to block off roads in the area.

There are also reports of attacks in Gao and Kidal in the north and Sevare in central Mali, in what an analyst describes as the largest jihadist attack in years.