Mali army says armed groups launch coordinated attacks across country

Armed groups have launched coordinated attacks across Mali, including in the capital Bamako, the country's army says.

In a statement released on Saturday morning, the military said "fighting is ongoing", adding "our defence and security forces are currently engaged in repelling the attackers".

Witnesses have told the Reuters news agency of explosions and sustained gunfire early on Saturday morning around the Kati military base, a major installation outside the capital. Soldiers have been deployed to block off roads in the area.

There are also reports of attacks in Gao in the north-east and Sevare in central Mali.

One resident, who was travelling back to Bamako from Ethiopia, told the BBC that all flights into the city were cancelled early on Saturday. It is not yet clear whether the reported attacks have affected the airport.