Mali Army Camp in Timbuktu Under Attack; Global Security Talks Initiated

An army camp in Timbuktu faced a terrorist attack on Monday, with heavy gunfire reported. The Philippines is set to begin a security dialogue with the EU to discuss cyber threats and interference issues. India suffers from severe flooding with 34 fatalities and ongoing evacuations. A bomb blast in Nigeria killed nine at a bus station. In Sweden, a commission recommends halting international adoptions due to past abuses.

BAMAKO — On Monday, an army camp in Timbuktu, Mali, faced an attack attributed to terrorists, leading to heavy gunfire in the area. Military and local officials informed AFP that the violence continues to escalate, further complicating Mali’s long-suffering security situation. Authorities have been grappling with jihadist threats linked to both Al-Qaeda and Daesh since 2012, along with other criminal and community groups.

A military source confirmed the attack, stating, “We are dealing with terrorists attacking Timbuktu. We are fighting back.” Another official on the ground noted that the attackers arrived in a vehicle loaded with explosives, detonating it near the military facility, which is situated in the city center. Heavy shooting continues to erupt in the vicinity.

In response to the ongoing violence, UN staff received urgent instructions to seek shelter and stay clear of windows as gunfire erupted throughout Timbuktu. A resident reported hearing persistent gunfire and mentioned that it seemed to originate from the military compound. Meanwhile, a local journalist remarked over the phone, “The city is under fire.” He expressed concern for the citizens, noting that many returned home in fear as the attack unfolded.

Timbuktu is steeped in history as the “city of 333 saints,” a reference to the many revered Muslim figures interred there. However, this ancient site has been scarred by past conflicts, particularly during jihadist control from 2012 to 2013 when substantial destruction occurred.

In a separate development, the Philippines has announced the initiation of a new security and defense dialogue with the European Union to combat rising cyber threats and foreign interference. Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo disclosed this during a meeting with the EU’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, in Manila. This dialogue is expected to create a vital space for the two parties to discuss shared security and defense concerns effectively.

Manalo expressed optimism, saying, “Our relationship reaches another significant milestone with our decision to create a security and defense dialogue.” The dialogue aims to enhance collaboration on critical issues including cyber threats that cross international borders. The inaugural meeting is scheduled for late 2025.

In related developments, the Philippines progressed its defense partnerships at the recent Shangri-La Dialogue held in Singapore, where discussions between Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro and European counterparts took place. Additionally, they committed to advancing a free trade agreement, with hopes for an early conclusion.

Meanwhile, in India’s northeastern region, heavy floods have led to tragic consequences, with at least 34 lives lost in the past four days due to landslides. The situation has necessitated evacuations of over a thousand tourists from Sikkim and brought army rescue teams to Meghalaya for stranded citizens.

Authorities have issued warnings of more landslides and expected further rainfall. Residents in affected areas, like Sonu Devi from Silchar city, expressed their distress, saying, “We keep ourselves awake throughout the night.” The region, familiar with torrential rains, faces annual challenges from such weather phenomena.

The crises extend further with a recent bomb blast in northeastern Nigeria that killed nine individuals at a bus station. Local lawmaker Abdulkarim Lawan stated that the explosion was initiated by militants using improvised explosives, a growing tactic in the ongoing violence that has plagued Borno state for over a decade.

In Sweden, a commission has recommended a halt to international adoptions after uncovering substantial abuses and fraudulent practices over several decades. This recommendation highlights a growing trend among countries re-examining their adoption protocols amid reports of unethical behavior, particularly involving South Korean practices. An official public apology to adoptees and their families has also been encouraged.

In France, tensions increased following the shooting of a Tunisian man, linked to racial motives. The incident coincided with a recent rise in reported racist crimes. The suspect, a seasoned sports shooter, had previously shared racist content online. This shooting followed another fatal event involving a young man from Mali, raising serious concerns over the rising tide of intolerance in France.

The situation in Timbuktu illustrates a tense security climate in Mali, underscoring ongoing threats from terrorist groups. Meanwhile, the Philippines is strengthening international defense dialogues to combat emerging global security threats. The humanitarian crisis in Northeast India reveals the devastating impact of natural disasters exacerbated by climate conditions. Furthermore, the Nigeria bomb blast and developments in Sweden point to significant social challenges in addressing violence and ethical issues surrounding adoptions, respectively. As these incidents unfold, they highlight the need for international cooperation on security, humanitarian aid, and policy reform.

Original Source: www.arabnews.pk