Ruptly
"Mali’s president General Assimi Goita appeared in public on Tuesday for the first time since armed attacks on the capital at the weekend, holding high-level talks with the Russian Ambassador Igor Gromyko. Footage released by the Malian Presidency shows Goita leading a meeting attended by delegations from both sides. It ended intense speculation on social media regarding the president’s health. and comes after Saturday's attacks on Bamako airport and other locations, which killed Defence Minister Sadio Camara. Russia has assisted Mali through its Africa Corps, with the Russian Defence Ministry reporting that the forces had prevented an armed coup. Malian government spokesperson General Issa Ousmane Coulibaly has said that the situation was now 'fully under control' in the affected areas, with reinforced security deployments and patrols continuing. The hostilities left 16 wounded, he added. PM Abdoulaye Maiga said that "our struggle for honour and dignity is non-negotiable. There is no alternative. We will pursue it until the total eradication of terrorism and until the building of Mali." He added that the attacks had been 'simultaneous, co-ordinated and premeditated,' alleging militants were receiving support from 'sponsors.' The authorities also condemned what they called 'cowardly terrorist acts' and vowed to pursue those responsible, urging citizens to remain vigilant and rely on official sources for information. According to media reports, al-Qaeda-linked group Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin claimed responsibility for the attacks, alongside the separatist Azawad Liberation Front (FLA). Mali cut ties with colonial power France in recent years, expelling French forces. Russia and Mali have also forged trade and economic ties. "
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