At least 21 people, including 11 children, were killed in drone strikes on Sunday in the northern Malian town of Tinzaouaten, according to Tuareg rebels.
The attack targeted the town, which is located near the Algerian border, a month after heavy fighting in the area between Mali’s army, supported by Russian Wagner mercenaries, and insurgent forces. The drone strikes reportedly hit a pharmacy and civilian gatherings, causing extensive damage and injuries.
A spokesperson for the rebel coalition, the Strategic Framework for the Defence of the People of Azawad (CSP-DPA), confirmed the death toll and claimed that among the casualties were the pharmacy manager and 11 children. The group attributed the strikes to Mali’s army and the Wagner group, alleging that Burkina Faso operated the drone involved.
Mali’s military, the Russian defense ministry, and Burkina Faso’s government have yet to comment on the incident.
The region near Tinzaouaten has seen intense conflict since late July, with Tuareg rebels reporting they killed over 130 combatants, including Malian soldiers and Wagner mercenaries. This could represent one of Wagner’s most significant losses since its deployment in Mali to support the military junta.
The conflict in northern Mali is fueled by a complex mix of separatist movements, including the Tuareg rebellion, and jihadist insurgents affiliated with al Qaeda and the Islamic State. Mali has struggled with instability since 2012 when Islamist militants took advantage of the Tuareg uprising, leading to years of violence.
Amid mounting insecurity, Mali and neighboring Burkina Faso and Niger have experienced a series of coups since 2020. These military juntas have distanced themselves from Western allies, aligning more closely with Russia. In 2015, Tuareg separatists signed a peace deal with Mali’s government, but the CSP-DPA withdrew from negotiations in 2022, escalating tensions in the region.
