In northern Mali, a tragic incident occurred where drone strikes resulted in the deaths of at least 15 civilians, including children. The separatists in the region accused the Malian army and Russian mercenaries of causing the strikes, with a reported death toll of 21 civilians, including 11 children. Tinzaouatene, the location of the strikes, had previously been the scene of a significant battle between separatists and the Malian army and Wagner group. The separatist spokesperson mentioned that the strikes initially targeted a pharmacy and then continued to hit gatherings of people nearby.
Reports from local sources varied slightly, with estimates ranging from 15 to 20 civilians, including children, being killed in the drone strikes. Since coming to power in a coup in 2020, Mali’s military leaders have been focused on reclaiming the entire country from separatist and jihadist groups associated with Al-Qaeda and ISIS. The conflict between Bamako and separatists reignited in August 2023 after an eight-year hiatus. Under Colonel Assimi Goita’s leadership, the junta shifted away from France towards Russia, resulting in the deployment of Wagner mercenary group troops to Mali.
Following a violent confrontation in July, where separatists claimed to have inflicted heavy casualties on Wagner fighters and Malian soldiers, there were subsequent drone strikes on Tinzaouatene. The offensive in northern Mali has raised concerns about alleged abuses committed against civilians by the army and its Russian allies since 2022, despite denials from Malian authorities. In response to what they deemed as false accusations against the army and Wagner, Malian authorities suspended a French news channel on their territory for two months.