Malian armed forces said on the 4th multiple army positions were attacked in the early morning and that authorities are tracking developments. Positions hit were in the north at Aguelhok, Anefis and Gao, and in the central town of Sevare. The statement gave no details on the attackers, the sequence of events or casualties. Mali has faced persistent insecurity since 2012, with frequent terrorist attacks and armed clashes; the military has said it will continue operations against armed groups.

Russia and Ukraine each launched large-scale strikes overnight from the evening of the 3rd to the early hours of the 4th, both sides said. Russia said its forces had taken control of four populated localities in Kharkiv region. The Russian Defence Ministry said on the 4th that in the past 24 hours Russian strikes targeted Ukrainian fuel, energy and transport infrastructure in 142 locations, plus facilities producing and storing long-range UAVs, and temporary deployments of Ukrainian forces and foreign mercenaries. The ministry added that Russian air defences destroyed 10 "Flamingo" cruise missiles, nine HIMARS rockets, 16 guided aerial bombs and 893 fixed-wing drones.

Macron says France is adjusting its Middle East deployment: aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle will be withdrawn, while mine‑clearing and escort forces will remain on station and on standby.