At least 40 civilians have been killed in a series of weekend attacks by armed men on residential camps in Mali’s northeastern Menaka region, with some local sources putting the death toll at more than 50.
The assailants, reportedly riding motorcycles, stormed settlements largely inhabited by members of the Daoussahak community near Tinabow village and the Tagadayat area, about 50 kilometres from Menaka town.
The Daoussahak community’s executive bureau suspects the Islamic State-linked Daesh group was behind the attacks, condemning the killings as a massacre and appealing for urgent humanitarian assistance for survivors displaced to Menaka.
A security source based in Gao said the killings may have been carried out in retaliation for recent military operations and attacks by the armed group MSA, which originated from the Daoussahak community. Initial reports indicate that most of the victims are men.
However, another security official puts the death toll at 50, while local witnesses report that the attackers fired indiscriminately at residents, including young people and the elderly, and set homes ablaze. An elected local official also says more than 50 bodies, including those of women and elderly people, have been seen.
The killings deepen concerns over civilian safety in Mali, which has endured a prolonged security crisis since 2012 involving the military, militant groups, Tuareg separatists and criminal networks.
The country has been under military rule since coups in 2020 and 2021, amid persistent insecurity across several regions.
Meanwhile, the Malian military confirms carrying out airstrikes on Saturday about 65 kilometres southwest of Menaka, saying it targeted a major base containing suspected terrorists and military equipment. It remains unclear whether the strikes are directly linked to the attacks on the residential camps.
