Major Security Breach Leaves Mali’s Presidential Transport Plane Afire

An armed jihadist group stormed the international airport complex of Bamako, capital of Mali, and set the president’s aircraft on fire. Social media images show the attack that occurred on the ramp of the airport which is located just outside of the capital city. After using a gasoline soaked rag to set fire the aircraft’s engine, the group then wandered around the site, demonstrating the lack of security of what should have been one of the most protected locations in the West African country.  Several other aircraft were destroyed as well as airport equipment and infrastructure. In addition to the airport security breach, a training center for the gendarmerie (paramilitary police) in the Faladié suburb was also targeted.