 "32 die in suspected jihadist attack in Mali: Report")
A suspected jihadist attack on a convoy escorted by the army and Russia’s Wagner mercenary group has resulted in the deaths of 32 people in northern Mali, an official and an NGO reported on Saturday (February 7). Initially a death toll of 10 was cited.
The attack occurred on Friday between the northern cities of Gao and Ansongo.
“The jihadists ambushed a civilian convoy escorted by Malian soldiers and Wagner mercenaries. At least 10 people have been killed and that’s a very provisional toll,” AFP cited a local official as saying.
“There are civilians and soldiers among the dead.”
On Saturday (February 8), a medical source said many of the dead and wounded had been transferred to Gao, the main city in northern Mali.
Mali’s struggle against jihadism
Since 2012, Mali has been dealing with significant security challenges due to violence from groups associated with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State (IS) group, as well as local criminal gangs.
In response to these issues, Mali’s military rulers have severed ties with their former colonial power, France, and have shifted their political and military alliances towards Russia.
Last year, jihadist attacks in September and December in Mali made headlines. The December attack led to the death of least 20 people. As many as six villages were burnt.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsThe responsibility for the September attack was claimed by an Al-Qaeda linked group. A military training school and other areas in the city of Bamako were targeted in the said attack.
This story has been updated to reflect the increase in death toll
With inputs from AFP
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