Drone Attack Kills at Least 21 Civilians in Northern Mali, Tuareg-Led Group Reports

A drone strike in northern Mali has resulted in the deaths of at least 21 civilians, according to a Tuareg-led group, intensifying concerns over escalating violence in the region.

According to a spokesperson for a coalition of pro-independence groups predominantly composed of Tuaregs, 21 civilians, including 11 minors, were fatally struck by airstrikes in a village situated in northern Mali adjacent to the Algerian borderline on Sunday.

Since the collapse of a peace agreement between northern Mali’s ruling military junta and armed pro-independence groups last year, the attack on Tinzaouatine village resulted in an unprecedented number of civilian casualties caused by drones.

Groups dominated by Tuaregs persist in their struggle for the self-rule of Azawad.

The coalition known as the Strategic Framework for Protecting Azawad’s People consists of Tuareg-led factions that seek independence from northern Mali, under the name Azawad.

According to a statement from the coalition, on Sunday strikes were carried out targeting a pharmacy. Subsequently, further strikes targeted individuals who had gathered in close proximity to the initial location that was impacted.

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According to a statement signed by Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadane, the spokesperson for the rebel coalition in the village, these criminal attacks have resulted in immense material damage and 21 civilian casualties. Among those killed were 11 children as well as the pharmacy manager, while dozens of others sustained injuries.

Terrorist target confirmed by Malian military in recent airstrikes.

The strikes were confirmed by Mali’s armed forces in a statement aired on national TV.

According to the statement released by The General Staff of the Armed Forces, precision strikes were conducted on terrorists in the Tinzaouatine sector during the morning of August 25th, 2024.

A few weeks following the defeat of Malian armed forces and Wagner Group mercenaries by Tuareg insurgents and fighters belonging to Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin, an affiliated group with al-Qaida, the strikes occurred.

According to a statement by the coalition, on Sunday there were strikes directed at a pharmacy and subsequently towards individuals congregating near where the initial damage occurred.

As Military Setbacks Continue, the Anticipated Increase in Civilian Casualties Awaits.

According to Rida Lyammouri, a senior fellow at the Moroccan think tank Policy Center for the New South, Malian troops and Russian mercenaries have insufficient ground presence in Kidal area. This hampers their ability to engage with armed groups present there effectively; therefore drones are necessary for them to carry out air attacks against such factions. Unfortunately, as an act of retaliation following Wagner mercenaries’ significant defeat recently which occurred in northern Mali – airstrikes — including unintentional civilian casualties–are likely expected increase during operations hereafter.”