Death Toll Crosses 80 in Fresh Extremist Attacks in Mali

Bamako: The death toll from continuing attacks on villages in central Mali has crossed 80, as violence linked to extremist groups intensifies across the region.

More than 30 people were reportedly killed on Wednesday in twin attacks targeting the villages of Korikori and Gomosogo. Local reports indicate that the assaults were carried out by militants associated with Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM), an extremist organisation linked to Al-Qaeda.

The group is said to be targeting villages that refused to sign local peace agreements imposed by militants. During the attacks, armed fighters allegedly looted settlements and set several homes on fire, forcing residents to flee.

Meanwhile, JNIM has reportedly imposed a partial blockade around the Malian capital, Bamako, severely affecting the transport of essential goods into the city and increasing fears of a wider humanitarian crisis.

The security situation has further deteriorated following recent setbacks for the Malian military. Last month, Defence Minister Sadio Camara was reportedly killed, while the country’s intelligence chief sustained injuries in separate incidents, dealing a significant blow to the government’s security apparatus.