Mali: eight civilians killed in Africa Corps airstrikes, claims rights group

Human Rights Watch has accused the Russian-backed Africa Corps paramilitaries of carrying out a deadly airstrike in central Mali that resulted in the deaths of eight civilians, including three children. The incident occurred on June 15 in the village of Kyrnia, located in the Mopti region. According to the NGO, none of the victims were affiliated with any armed groups.

Civilian casualties in Mopti village strike

A Human Rights Watch report published on Friday details how a Sukhoi Su-24 aircraft reportedly dropped at least two munitions on Kyrnia. The first strike reportedly hit the village chief’s residence, killing his wife and three children. The second strike targeted a nearby livestock market, resulting in four additional fatalities and multiple injuries. The NGO emphasizes that no victims were linked to any militant factions.

Africa Corps claims jihadist target

The Africa Corps, which collaborates with Mali‘s armed forces in counterterrorism operations, asserted on social media that the strike targeted a « terrorist gathering site. » However, Human Rights Watch notes that while witnesses reported the presence of Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (GSIM) fighters in the village at the time, there is no evidence to suggest the slain civilians were involved in combat.