Gunfire heard near Mali's capital airport, also in several cities, AP reporter and residents say

BAMAKO: Gunfire was heard near Mali's international airport in the capital Bamako early Saturday, an Associated Press reporter and residents said.

It was not immediately clear what caused the gunshots, and no armed group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

An AP journalist in Bamako heard sustained heavy weapons and automatic rifle gunfire coming from Modibo Keita International Airport, around 15 kilometres (9 miles) from the city centre, and saw a helicopter over nearby neighbourhoods. The airport is adjacent to an air base used by Mali's air force.

A Bamako resident living near the airport also reported gunfire and three helicopters patrolling overhead. The resident spoke on condition of anonymity out of fear for his security.

In 2024, an al-Qaida-linked group claimed an attack on Bamako's airport and a military training camp in the capital, killing scores of people.

Mali, alongside neighbouring Niger and Burkina Faso, has long been battling armed groups affiliated with al-Qaida and the Islamic State group, a fight that has escalated over the past decade.

Following military coups, the juntas in the three countries have turned from Western allies to Russia for help in combating Islamic militants.

But the security situation in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso has worsened in recent times, analysts say, with a record number of attacks by militants. Government forces have also been accused of killing civilians they suspect of collaborating with militants.