In a devastating incident, at least 21 civilians, including 11 children, were killed in airstrikes on a village in northern Mali near the Algerian border on Sunday, according to a spokesman for a coalition of Tuareg-majority pro-independence groups. This tragic event marks one of the deadliest attacks on civilians since the collapse of a peace agreement in the conflict-ridden region.Deadly drone strikes target villageThe village of Tinzaouatine was the target of the airstrikes, which reportedly began with an attack on a local pharmacy. Subsequent strikes hit individuals who had gathered near the initial site, exacerbating the casualties. The coalition, known as the Strategic Framework for the Defense of the People of Azawad (CSP), condemned the attacks and provided details on the tragic loss of life.“The provisional toll of these criminal strikes stands at 21 civilians killed, including 11 children and the pharmacy manager, dozens wounded and enormous material damage,” stated Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadane, spokesperson for the rebel coalition active in the region.Government confirms airstrikesIn a televised statement, Malis armed forces acknowledged the airstrikes in Tinzaouatine. “The General Staff of the Armed Forces confirms airstrikes in the Tinzaouatine sector on the morning of August 25, 2024. These precision strikes targeted terrorists,” the statement asserted, labeling the targets as militants.However, the civilian casualties have raised concerns about the militarys operations in the region, particularly in light of the recent defeat of the Malian army and Russian Wagner Group mercenaries by Tuareg rebels and the al-Qaida-linked Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin.Rising tensions and increased airstrikesRida Lyammouri, a senior fellow at the Policy Center for the New South, a Moroccan think tank, expressed concern over the escalating violence in the region. “Malian forces along with Russian mercenaries lack a strong presence on the ground in the Kidal region, so the use of air assets, including drones, is the only way they could engage against armed groups in the area,” Lyammouri explained. “Therefore, airstrikes, including those that harm civilians, are expected to increase as an act of revenge following the recent major setback to Wagner mercenaries in northern Mali.”The situation in northern Mali remains precarious, with ongoing conflicts between the Malian government, pro-independence groups, and various militant organizations.
