Airstrikes in Mali claim eight civilian lives, reports human rights watch
A prominent international human rights organization has accused Russian-backed paramilitary forces operating in Mali of carrying out a deadly airstrike that resulted in the loss of eight civilian lives, including three children, on June 15 in the central region of the country.
Civilian casualties in a Mopti village strike
A detailed report released by the watchdog group indicates that a Sukhoi Su-24 jet conducted at least two airstrikes on the village of Kyrnia in the Mopti region. The first strike reportedly hit the residence of the village chief, killing his wife and three children. The second strike targeted a nearby livestock market, resulting in four additional fatalities and several injuries. The organization emphasized that none of the victims were affiliated with any armed groups.
Russia-backed force claims jihadist target
In response, the Africa Corps—a paramilitary unit supporting Malian forces in counterterrorism operations—asserted on social media that the strikes were aimed at a « terrorist gathering site ». However, the human rights group countered that while witnesses reported the presence of fighters from the Group to Support Islam and Muslims (GSIM) in the area at the time, there was no evidence to suggest the civilians were involved in hostilities.
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