At least 20 people were killed in a series of attacks on villages in central Mali on Friday, sources confirmed on Saturday. The targeted areas are known to be frequently affected by violence linked to armed groups operating in the region.
According to local officials, six villages in the Bandiagara region were attacked, with several homes and grain silos set ablaze. The violence forced many residents to flee their homes, seeking safety in nearby areas. “Around 20 people were killed during the attacks,” a local official, who requested to remain anonymous, said.
A security source in Mali later confirmed that five villages in the Bandiagara area were specifically targeted. “The toll currently stands at 21 dead, with many more injured,” the source said.
The attacks come as central Mali continues to grapple with increasing insecurity, with both local and international forces struggling to contain the spread of violence in the region.