MOSCOW, April 29. /TASS/. Malian civilians showed extraordinary courage by defending their cities against armed terrorists with their bare hands, Vice President of the country’s Transitional Council Defense Commission Fousseynou Ouattara told TASS.

"The population took to the streets in Bamako, Kati, and other cities to confront well-armed terrorists using nothing but their bare hands," he said.

Ouattara rejected Western media claims that the citizens' loyalty to the authorities stemmed from coercion. "This is not 'Stockholm syndrome,' but patriotism and love for their army. The people, parliament, and defense and security forces of Mali stand and will stand united," the politician said.

Illegal armed groups attempted a coup in Mali on April 25, the Russian Defense Ministry said. Russia's Africa Corps PMC thwarted the coup attempt and prevented mass civilian casualties. Militants in Mali lost over 2,500 fighters and 102 vehicles.

Ukrainian and European mercenary instructors helped prepare the militants for the coup attempt. Russia's Africa Corps PMC continues to carry out its assigned missions in Mali and remains ready to repel militant attacks.