Rebel groups, including Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin, have established checkpoints around Mali’s capital, Bamako, and captured the northern town of Tessalit. This surge follows recent attacks that killed Defence Minister Sadio Camara, raising concerns over Mali’s military response to escalating violence.

A 36-year-old man has been arrested in Jerusalem for violently assaulting a nun, resulting in injuries to her head and face. This attack, described as an “act of sectarian violence” by Olivier Poquillon of the French School of Biblical and Archaeological Research, has raised alarms over rising attacks on Christians. The investigation continues.