The military government of Mali has confirmed the killing of its minister of defence, Sadio Camara, and unspecified number of civilians during terrorist attack on Saturday.

In statement on Sunday, the Malian government said Mr Camara died as a result of injuries sustained in a car bombing at his residence on Saturday.

“The Transitional Government of Mali deeply regrets to inform the public of the tragic death of Lieutenant General Sadio Camara, Minister of State, Minister of Defense, following the cowardly terrorist incidents that occurred on the morning of April 25, 2026, a car bomb driven by a suicide bomber targeted the minister’s residence,” the statement stated.

According to the statement Mr Camara, engaged in an exchange of fire with the assailants, some of whom he managed to kill. 

During intense clashes, he was wounded and then transported to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. 

It added that other people were killed during the attack due to collapse of Mr Camara’s building and a nearby mosque. But the number of the victims was not disclosed.

“The collapse of his residence caused other casualties and the destruction of a nearby mosque, resulting in the deaths of some worshippers inside,” the statement stated.

Mali’s president of transition, General Assimi Goita, extended condolences to Mr Camara’s family, adding “These condolences are also extended to all the civilian and military victims who died during the terrorist incidents of April 25, 2026.”

“For his decidication to service and distinguished career, Mr Camara will be granted a national funeral, which will be announced in a press release.”

On Saturday, Al-Qaeda affiliate and Tuareg rebels launched attacks across Mali, causing temporarily shutdown of the country’s main airport as explosions rocked different locations in the country.