Militants on the streets in Kidal, northern Mali

New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs on Tuesday issued a statement condemning the “terrorist attacks” that took place at several places in Mali. “India strongly condemns the terrorist attacks targeting multiple locations in Mali. We express our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and express our solidarity with the Government and people of Mali at this difficult time. We also express our sincere condolences on the death of General Sadio Camara, Mali’s Minister of Defense and Veterans Affairs, in the terrorist attack, the Foreign Ministry said in a press release. “India reiterates its firm commitment to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and supports efforts to ensure peace and stability in the region,” it said.Mali is battling its biggest coordinated terrorist attack in more than a decade, as al-Qaeda-linked groups and Tuareg separatists launched near-simultaneous attacks on key sites including Bamako’s airport, the Kati garrison city and several cities in the north and centre. The defense minister was reportedly killed in a car bomb attack, while rebels claimed control of the strategic northern town of Kidal. The attack signals a sharp deterioration in security despite Russian support for the military government, with rebels stepping up operations and state control weakening across the country.