Airstrikes in Northern Mali by the country’s military have resulted in the tragic deaths of at least 13 civilians, including seven children, according to Amnesty International. The incident, which occurred on March 17th in the Amasrakad area, has sparked outrage and calls for an investigation.
Survivors and witnesses paint a grim picture of the night-time air raid. Amnesty International reports that a pick-up truck was initially targeted in the first strike. Fearing for their safety, residents sought refuge in a makeshift shelter. Tragically, a second strike hit the shelter, killing nine people instantly. Three further individuals succumbed to their injuries, and a woman tragically lost her unborn child.
The Malian army claimed the strikes “neutralized several terrorists,” but Amnesty International disputes this based on witness accounts. Samira Daoud, of Amnesty International, condemned the incident, stating, “It is unconscionable that whole families could be killed by drone strikes, without any accountability or justice.” Daoud further emphasized the need for “an effective and independent investigation into the killings of these civilians.”
Mali has been grappling with ongoing jihadist activity affiliated with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group since 2012. This instability, compounded by self-declared armed groups and banditry, has created a complex security situation. Military rule, established through coups in 2020 and 2021, has further strained the nation’s humanitarian and political landscape.
Amnesty International reports an increase in Malian military operations, including drone strikes, against armed groups since mid-2023. The recent escalation of operations in Kidal and Gao has reportedly displaced civilians, who sought refuge in Amasrakad, tragically placing them in the crossfire.
