EXPLAINER As Mali faces its biggest security challenge in years, Al Jazeera profiles leaders from the government as well as armed groups. Armed violence has intensified in Mali since Saturday after an al-Qaeda-linked armed group working with separatists attacked several military bases across multiple cities, including areas where senior government officials live, and took control of the northern city of Kidal. Malian Defence Minister Sadio Camara and his family were killed in their home in Kati, a military garrison close to the capital, Bamako, the government announced on Sunday. Armed groups have announced that they are laying siege to Bamako. Recommended Stories list of 4 items list 1 of 4 Armed group announces siege on Mali capital list 2 of 4 What role has Russia played in Mali’s security and the Sahel region?…