Mali: Operations will continue until all involved in attacks are neutralized

Assimi Goita, Mali's transitional president, said Tuesday that operations would continue until all groups involved in the April 25 attacks are neutralized and lasting security is restored across the country.



In a televised address to the nation at 8 p.m. local time, Goita said the April 25 attacks, which he described as "complex, coordinated and simultaneous," targeted Bamako, Kati, Mopti, Gao and Kidal.



He said the assailants had been dealt a heavy blow thanks to the prompt response and professionalism of the defense and security forces, adding that the attackers had sought to create a climate of generalized violence in the localities concerned.



The head of state added that the security deployment had been reinforced, the situation was under control, and sweeping, search, intelligence-gathering and security operations were continuing.