Days after armed groups launched large-scale attacks on Malian Armed Forces’ bases, military ruler Assimi Goita on Tuesday said the situation was “under control”, with Russian security forces providing air support to prevent rebels from capturing key positions, including the presidential palace in capital Bamako. But the security situation in the West African nation remains volatile, as the government has struggled to take back control of towns and cities from Tuareg and al-Qaeda-linked fighters, who have pledged to launch a total siege of Mali’s capital. Recommended Stories list of 4 items list 1 of 4 ‘Very dire’: What to know about ongoing coordinated armed attacks in Mali list 2 of 4 Rival armed groups join forces against the Malian state: What next? list 3 of 4 Timeline: How Mali went from democracy beacon to instability list 4 of 4 What’s driving the coordinated attacks across Mali? end of list Saturday’s massive coordinated offensive in multiple cities, including Bamako, stunned the region.…