In northern Mali, two devastating attacks took place, resulting in the tragic loss of 64 lives, including 49 civilians and 15 soldiers. These 'terrorist' acts struck a passenger river transport boat named 'the Timbuktu boat' on the Niger River and an army base in Bamba, Gao region. The assault in Bamba was claimed by the jihadist alliance Groupe de soutien à l'islam et aux musulmans (Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin) (GSIM), affiliated with al-Qaeda. The boat attack caused injuries and damage, while the military's response led to the neutralization of approximately fifty terrorists. The boat, owned by the state-run Malian shipping company Comanav, was targeted with rockets in the Gourma-Rharous sector. Passengers on board, including soldiers for security, jumped into the water when the attack began. The boat, capable of carrying around 300 passengers, was a vital link in the region, offering a safer alternative to the road for traders and families. Rare images from the area showed a thick plume of black smoke, highlighting the severity of the situation. In response to these devastating events, the government declared a three-day national mourning period, emphasizing the gravity of the situation and the need for solidarity in the face of these attacks.

Type of Data Point - News or Reportage

Mali: 49 civilians and 15 soldiers killed in two attacks on a boat and an army base - AfricaNews.com

Visit page of City/Town - Bamba-Poste

Inserted: 12-09-2023 02:09:19