The United Nations has expressed deep concern over a series of coordinated attacks in Mali, describing the violence as one of the most significant offensives the country has witnessed in over a decade.

The attacks, carried out over the weekend, involved jihadist militants joining forces with Tuareg separatists in a rare alliance aimed at dislodging Malian forces and allied Russian mercenaries from key regions in the north and central parts of the country.

Briefing journalists in New York, UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said Secretary-General António Guterres strongly condemned the violence and called for urgent international action. He stressed the need for coordinated global support to tackle the growing threat of extremism and terrorism across the Sahel region, while also addressing pressing humanitarian needs.

According to the UN, the Secretary-General expressed solidarity with the people of Mali and emphasized the importance of protecting civilians and critical infrastructure amid the escalating conflict. He also reiterated the need for stronger regional security cooperation to contain the situation.