Russian-backed strike in Mali kills 21 civilians, 10 children
Russian forces present in Mali coordinated an attack by the country's ruling military junta, resulting in the deaths of 21 civilians, including 10 children. The attack, which involved Bayraktar drones, occurred in the Tinzawaten area in the north of the country. It was intended as retaliation for previous clashes in the exact location, during which mercenaries from the Russian Wagner Group were killed.
The airstrike took place on 25 August at Tinzawaten, a town controlled by Tuareg rebels. However, information about this has only recently emerged, as the German newspaper "Bild" reported. The newspaper claims that the operation was carried out with Moscow's consent.
The attack began with the bombing of a local pharmacy, followed by another strike aimed at a group of people gathered near the site of the first attack. A total of 21 people were killed, including 10 children.
The Bayraktar drones used in this operation were delivered from neighbouring Burkina Faso, and the entire action was conducted without Turkish knowledge, the manufacturer of these drones.
Retaliation for the death of Wagner Group mercenaries
Just a month earlier, at the end of July, clashes occurred between Wagner units and Tuareg rebels in the same town. As a result of these fights, many mercenaries from the Wagner Group were killed or captured. Among the dead was the author of the popular Telegram channel, Grey Zone, associated with Wagner. In addition to the mercenaries, Mali's government forces, which fought alongside Wagner, also suffered losses. The rebels also managed to shoot down a helicopter belonging to the mercenaries.
The attack on Tinzawaten has sparked a wave of criticism, particularly in the context of Russia’s involvement, which appears to support the actions of the Malian junta. These actions raise serious concerns about escalating the conflict in the region and the fate of the civilian population, who, as seen, become victims of brutal military operations.
The international community is concerned about the developments, as tensions may lead to further destabilisation of the region.
