Around 20 civilians were killed in northern Mali earlier this week when their vehicles were attacked. According to local sources, Malian soldiers and Wagner mercenaries were responsible for the assault. The victims, which included migrants and nomads, were reportedly traveling towards Algeria when they were ambushed.
Mali’s army confirmed clashes in the region but claimed that they targeted “armed terrorist groups,” killing seven individuals and recovering weapons. However, local representatives and separatist groups, such as the Front for the Liberation of Azawad (FLA), accused the Malian military and Wagner forces of executing civilians, including women and children.
Mali has been facing a prolonged security crisis, exacerbated by Islamist insurgencies. The country, ruled by a military junta since coups in 2020 and 2021, has relied on Wagner mercenaries after severing ties with France. Human Rights Watch has previously reported atrocities committed by Malian forces and their Russian allies.
Source: AFP (Agence France-Presse), February 19, 2025.
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