In the town of Tinzaouaten in northern Mali, at least 21 people, including 11 children, were killed in drone attacks on August 26, 2024. The strikes, which targeted a pharmacy and a group of people, left dozens wounded. Mali’s army, which confirmed the attacks, described them as 'precision strikes' aimed at terrorists. However, the town, already familiar with air assaults, had previously experienced significant violence in July 2024, when Tuareg-led separatist groups claimed to have killed a large number of Malian soldiers and Russian Wagner Group mercenaries. Despite these claims, the army did not confirm the death toll. The increased use of drones is seen as a response to the recent setbacks faced by Wagner mercenaries in the region, where Mali’s forces and Russian fighters lack a strong ground presence. Since a military coup in 2020, Mali has been battling for control against separatists and al-Qaeda-backed groups, with fighting resuming in 2023 after an eight-year pause. Under the rule of Colonel Assimi Goïta, Mali's military government has distanced itself from France and turned to Russia, leading to the deployment of Wagner mercenaries.

Type of Data Point - News or Reportage

Twenty-one civilians killed in Mali drone strikes: Separatist group - Al Jazeera

Visit page of City/Town - Tinzaouaten

Inserted: 01-09-2024 15:09:20