Mali Junta Leader Appears After Attacks, Reaffirms Russia Ties

Mali's junta leader Assimi Goita made his first public appearance since Saturday's unprecedented attacks, meeting Russian ambassador Igor Gromyko to reaffirm security ties. The attacks, claimed by West Africa's al-Qaeda affiliate and a Tuareg-dominated separatist group, targeted Mali's main army base and the area near Bamako's airport, and pushed Russian troops out of the strategic northern town of Kidal. Defense Minister Sadio Camara was killed. Goita's office published photos of the meeting with Gromyko, who reaffirmed Russia's commitment to supporting Mali against international terrorism. Goita also visited wounded soldiers in hospital and expressed condolences to Camara's family. The attacks have triggered a scramble for territory across Mali's desert north, raising fears of gains by armed groups that may strike neighboring countries.