What to know about the largest coordinated attack in over a decade by militants and rebels in Mali

An alliance of al-Qaida-linked militants and separatists carried out a coordinated attack in Mali, marking a dangerous escalation in the region. The attack targeted multiple locations across the country, including the airport of the capital city Bamako and several northern and central cities. Authorities have not released an official death toll, but among those killed was Mali's defense minister. The attack is a challenge for Russia, which has partnered with Mali's military-led government.