At least 40 civilians have been killed in attacks on settlements in northeastern Mali, with some accounts putting the death toll above 50, Channels Television has reported, citing Agence France-Presse (AFP).
The attacks occurred on Sunday in the Menaka region, where armed men on motorcycles reportedly stormed several camps inhabited mainly by members of the Daoussahak community. The assailants opened fire on residents and set homes ablaze.
The affected settlements are located around Tinabow village and the Tagadayat area, approximately 50 kilometres from Menaka town. According to Channels Television, residents who fled the violence arrived in Menaka on Monday.
The Daoussahak community’s executive bureau blamed the Islamic State group for the killings, stating that 48 civilians were killed in Tagadayat. It condemned the attacks and appealed for emergency humanitarian assistance for displaced residents.
The violence followed military operations conducted by the Malian army in the area on Saturday. The military said it had struck a major base containing suspected terrorist fighters and military equipment, about 65 kilometres southwest of Menaka. A security source cited by AFP suggested the attacks may have been carried out in retaliation for recent military operations and attacks involving the Movement for the Salvation of Azawad (MSA).
Mali has faced a prolonged security crisis since 2012, involving jihadist groups, Tuareg separatists, criminal gangs and government forces. The military authorities, who took power in coups in 2020 and 2021, have turned to Russia for security support, including assistance from Russian paramilitary forces.
