A series of coordinated attacks carried out by ⁠⁠armed groups across Mali has exposed security vulnerabilities in the military-ruled country, analysts say. Since gaining independence from French rule in 1960, the West African nation has navigated cycles of political instability, punctuated by persistent attacks from armed groups, military coups and financial crises. Recommended Stories list of 3 items list 1 of 3 Mali defence minister killed after coordinated attacks list 2 of 3 ‘Very dire’: What to know about ongoing coordinated armed attacks in Mali list 3 of 3 What’s driving attacks against gov’t and Russian forces in Mali? end of list As French and international security operations leave the region, the rising influence of Russian mercenary groups over the past two years has signalled further security risks and rising violence.…