Bamako residents were shaken but expressed confidence in the defence forces after multiple 'terrorist groups' attacks were reported in the Malian capital and across the country on Saturday.

"It was a day that started in the worst possible way. [...] I couldn't work today, even though I am at the office. This situation is frightening the population. We don't know what will happen next," shared a local during an interview.

Others voiced strong confidence in the country's army, saying they had grown accustomed to living with conflict.

"I spent the day in panic, but thank God, the mobilisation of the defence forces has made us feel somewhat reassured. We woke up to the sound of gunfire, as I live not far from Kati," expressed another resident.

"Our armed and security forces have always been attacked [...] We are used to it. That is why today we are proud of Mali's defence and security forces, because they know the terrain and carry out their mission with professionalism," one emphasised, adding, "This is a war imposed on our country, and we will naturally defend ourselves."

Communications Officer of the Collective for Defence of Soldiers in Mali, Hamadi Dicko, said that those who 'want to subdue Mali and its people' and 'plot conspiracies' will see their plans fail.

The country's army earlier reported that attacks by 'unidentified armed terrorist groups' were carried out at several locations and the capital city of Bamako on Saturday, and across Mali.

According to reports, gunfire and explosions were heard amid an alleged 'coordinated assault' while Mali's main military base at Kati outside Bamako was reportedly targeted.

The African Union 'strongly condemned' ongoing hostilities for the "risk of exposing the civilian population to significant harm".