More than 20 civilians killed in series of attacks in Mali

(CLO) More than 20 civilians were killed in a series of attacks by suspected jihadists in the Mopti region of central Mali on Friday.

Unidentified assailants stormed and destroyed six villages in Bandiagara area, burning and looting the villages, leaving them in ruins, sources said on Saturday.

A boat dock in Bamako, Mali. Photo: Fatih Turan/pexels

The attackers came in large numbers, traveling on motorbikes, and attacked the first village, where they "killed everyone and destroyed everything," a source said.

Mali, a West African country, is facing escalating violence from armed groups linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State (IS). These groups began to emerge in Mali's desert north after a Tuareg separatist uprising in 2012.

Since then, extremist groups have expanded their operations into other countries in the Sahel region, south of the Sahara, seizing territory, killing thousands, and forcing millions from their homes.

The Sahel region, of which Mali is located, has become one of the world's biggest conflict hotspots. Countries in the region face enormous challenges in preventing the spread of extremist groups.

Although the international community, including the United Nations and regional organizations, has launched many initiatives to support Mali, the situation continues to deteriorate.

Cao Phong (according to France24, Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/hon-20-dan-thuong-thiet-mang-trong-loat-vu-tan-cong-o-mali-post326885.html