At least ten civilians, mostly young people, were killed in a Mali drone strike on Sunday as they prepared to celebrate a traditional group wedding in the village of Téné, located in the San region of central Mali.
a joyous celebration turned to sorrow
The attack occurred during preparations for the second edition of this cultural event, which brings together multiple families in a festive ceremony. “Ten of our children were killed by gunfire we cannot explain,” a local resident told reporters under anonymity. “What was supposed to be a moment of joy in the village turned into unbearable grief.”
confirmed by security sources
A security source confirmed the drone strikes in Mali targeted a procession of motorcycles. “The drones opened fire on a line of motorcycles. There were at least nine dead,” the source stated. Local officials also confirmed the death toll, with one local elected official describing it as “a true mourning for the community.”
context of escalating violence
These Mali drone strikes come amid a critical security situation in the country following coordinated attacks on April 25 and 26 by armed groups, including jihadists from the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), affiliated with Al-Qaeda, and Tuareg rebels from the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA).
