Group of military officers and French spy detained in Mali

Authorities in Mali have detained a group of military personnel—including two high-ranking generals—on charges of attempting to destabilize the country’s internal security, along with a French national suspected of espionage for French intelligence services.

As Report cites from Al Jazeera, Mali’s transitional government announced the arrests in a televised address on Friday.

“The transitional government informs the public of the arrest of a small group of marginal elements within the armed forces and security services for criminal activities aimed at destabilizing the institutions of the Republic,” said Minister of Security Daoud Aly Mohammedine.

Among those detained are two generals, the minister confirmed. He also stated that the alleged conspirators, both military and civilian, had received support from foreign countries.

The arrested French national has been identified as Yann Christian Bernard Vizille, who is suspected of working for French intelligence.

According to the minister, the plotters began their activities on August 1. Authorities have since brought the situation under control.