Mali's Defense Minister Killed in Attack

Jenny Martorell

Updated 16.17 | Published 14.41

Mali's Defense Minister Sadio Camara has been killed in an attack, his family confirms to AFP.

Saturday's coordinated attacks were carried out in several locations in the junta-ruled country - and are described as the most extensive in several years.

On Saturday, the country's military announced that terrorist groups were being fought, after reports of attacks in several places in Mali. Later, an al-Qaeda branch and other local groups claimed responsibility for the attacks, according to Reuters.

The country's Defense Minister, Sadio Camara, is among those killed in the attacks, his family and an official told AFP. His second wife and two of his grandchildren also died when a car bomb exploded outside the defense minister's home.

UN condemns

Al Jazeera describes Sadio Camara as one of the most important in the military junta - and a possible future leader.

It is not known how many more were killed. But the government said late Saturday night that at least 16 people were injured, the AP reports.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has condemned the violence.

“The Secretary-General calls for coordinated international support to address the growing threat of violent extremism and terrorism,” a statement said.