An estimated 136,000 individuals, including over 74,000 children, are currently trapped in Timbuktu, a historic city in northern Mali, amid a siege by jihadists affiliated with al-Qaeda, Save the Children, an NGO, has reported.
Save the Children raised concerns on Monday, highlighting the dire situation faced by those trapped in the city. Essential supplies such as food and medicine are rapidly diminishing due to armed groups preventing entry into Timbuktu.
The NGO emphasized the severity of the situation, stating that official aid routes have been completely cut off, leading to dwindling supplies.
There are fears that essential services in the city might soon come to an end if a resolution to the crisis is not swiftly achieved.
Reports received by the NGO have also indicated distressing incidents involving children, including injuries and fatalities caused by explosive devices.
Additionally, there are reports of armed groups recruiting youngsters.
Timbuktu, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been under siege by jihadists with ties to al-Qaeda since August.
The militants have imposed restrictions, banning trucks from neighboring regions, which has resulted in shortages and a sharp increase in prices of vital commodities like food and fuel.
The ongoing jihadist assaults have prompted over 33,000 individuals to flee the city, according to the United Nations.
