Heavy gunfire and explosions rocked the capital, Bamako, and other parts of the country on Saturday Heavy fighting erupted on the outskirts of Mali’s capital and in several major cities on Saturday after a wave of coordinated attacks claimed by regional al-Qaeda affiliate JNIM and the Tuareg-dominated separatist rebel group FLA. Gunfire and explosions were reported around Kati, home to Mali’s main military base and the residence of President Assimi Goita. AP said the capital’s international airport area also came under attack, while witnesses cited by Reuters reported helicopters overhead and roads blocked by security forces. Witnesses also described heavy fighting in the central town of Sevare and the northern cities of Gao and Kidal. The Malian army said it was fighting “unidentified terrorist groups” and later declared the situation under control, while admitting that sweeping anti-terrorist operations were continuing. Army spokesman Col.…