Mali junta reels after attacks

Mali's transitional government is facing its most significant security crisis to date following a wave of coordinated attacks by Tuareg rebels and Al-Qaeda-linked militants.

The insurgents have reportedly imposed a blockade on the capital, Bamako, and seized several key military outposts in the north.

Military leader Assimi Goïta has attempted to project stability, but analysts warn that the junta's reliance on Russian mercenaries has failed to stem the violence.

The escalating conflict has raised fears of a potential coup as the government's authority continues to erode across the country.