A spokesperson for a coalition of Tuareg-majority groups seeking independence in northern Mali reported that drone strikes targeted a pharmacy and a group of people, resulting in dozens of injuries, according to Al Jazeera. Mali’s military confirmed the drone attacks on national television, describing them as “precision strikes targeting terrorists.”
The town of Tinzaouaten has experienced airstrikes previously, including an incident in July when Tuareg-led groups claimed responsibility for killing a significant number of Malian soldiers and Russian Wagner Group mercenaries. During the July attacks, the separatists asserted that they had killed at least 47 soldiers and 84 Wagner mercenaries, although the Malian army did not verify these figures.
Following the recent attack, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reaffirmed Moscow’s “firm support” for Mali and its military. The Malian army has stated that the Wagner fighters are present in the country solely as “instructors” assisting with military training.
Since a military coup in 2020, Mali’s army has been engaged in efforts to regain control over the nation.
