26 Killed in Central Mali Village Attack

A recent attack in the Mopti region of central Mali resulted in the deaths of at least 26 villagers, as armed assailants opened fire while they were working in their fields. The attack, which occurred in the Circle of Bankass, is part of a larger trend of violence in Mali, where jihadist groups linked to al Qaeda and ISIS have intensified their insurgency since the 2012 Tuareg rebellion. Local officials, including Bankass Mayor Moulaye Guindo, expressed concerns over the deteriorating security situation, noting that soldiers did not arrive until after the attack. This incident follows similar attacks in the region, including a July assault that left around 40 dead. The ongoing insurgency has led to significant civilian casualties and displacement, contributing to political instability and multiple coups in Mali and neighboring countries since 2020. The junta has shifted its reliance from Western partners to Russian support in the fight against these extremist groups.