- Jihadists ambushed a military-escorted convoy in northern Mali, killing 32 people.
- Civilians and soldiers were among the casualties, with at least five lorries destroyed.
- The Malian army claims control of the area, but no group has taken responsibility yet.
A suspected jihadist attack on a military-escorted convoy in northern Mali has left at least 32 people dead, officials confirmed on Saturday.
The ambush occurred on Friday between the cities of Gao and Ansongo, where Malian soldiers and Russian Wagner mercenaries were escorting a civilian convoy.
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The initial death toll of 10 quickly rose to 32, with civilians and soldiers among the casualties.
“We have more than 30 bodies from the scene,” a hospital source in Gao stated.
Local officials reported that the attackers ambushed the convoy and indiscriminately opened fire, targeting both civilians and military personnel. A transport union source added that jihadists struck the convoy’s escort to maximize casualties.
The convoy, which consisted of 22 minibuses, six large buses, and eight lorries, was being protected by about ten military vehicles. At least five lorries were destroyed in the attack.
While no group has officially claimed responsibility, Islamic State (IS) fighters are suspected. The Malian army has not issued an official statement but assured that it has regained control of the area.
This attack is part of a wave of violence plaguing the region. The road between Gao and Ansongo has been a frequent target of jihadists and criminal gangs.
Reports indicate that many civilian victims were foreign nationals heading to a gold mine in Intahaka, Mali’s main gold mining region.
Despite being one of Africa’s top gold producers, Mali’s output has declined due to ongoing security issues.
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The country has been in turmoil since 2012, experiencing multiple coups and escalating jihadist violence linked to both Al-Qaeda and IS-affiliated groups.
The military government has severed ties with France and aligned with Russia, relying on Wagner mercenaries for security operations.
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