September 17, (THEWILL) – Authorities in Mali have ordered the immediate closure of Bamako Airport following the attack on a military police base early Tuesday.
Heavy gunfire and explosions, which began as early as 5 a.m., have also been recorded in an area near the airport.
“This morning, armed men attacked at least one military police base in Bamako. They have not been formally identified. Bamako airport is temporarily closed due to events,” an airport official and police source told AFP.
A witness said he and other worshippers were stuck in a mosque near the area during early morning prayers.
The French High School Liberte announced it would remain closed “due to external events” and staff at the United Nations Mission in Mali received a message urging them to “limit (their) movements until further notice”.
