Mali air strikes by Africa Corps kill eight civilians including children
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Human Rights Watch has accused the Russian-backed paramilitary group Africa Corps of carrying out air strikes in central Mali that resulted in the deaths of eight civilians, three of whom were children. According to the watchdog, none of the victims were linked to armed groups.
Civilian casualties in a Mopti village
A report by Human Rights Watch details how a Sukhoi Su-24 aircraft dropped at least two munitions on the village of Kyrnia in the Mopti region on June 15. The first strike reportedly hit the home of the village chief, killing his wife and three children. The second targeted a nearby livestock market, resulting in four additional deaths and several injuries. HRW emphasizes that none of the victims were affiliated with any militant organization.
Africa Corps claims jihadist target
The Africa Corps, which supports Mali’s armed forces in combating jihadist groups, asserted via social media that the operation targeted a « gathering point for terrorist groups. » Human Rights Watch noted that while witnesses reported the presence of fighters from the Group for Support of Islam and Muslims (GSIM) in the village at the time of the strikes, there is no evidence to suggest the civilians were involved in combat.
