Armed men on motorcycles targeted camps in the Menaka region, killing more than 40 civilians from the Daoussahak community.
More than 40 civilians were killed over the weekend in an attack on camps in Mali's north-eastern Menaka region, according to security and community sources. The attackers reportedly arrived on motorcycles and specifically targeted camps housing members of the Daoussahak community. The community's executive bureau has attributed the killings to the Islamic State group.
A security source in Gao suggested the massacre was in retaliation for recent military operations and attacks by the Movement for the Salvation of Azawad (MSA), an armed group with origins in the area. The Malian army confirmed it conducted operations on Saturday south-west of Menaka, striking a major base used by "terrorist elements" and containing military equipment.
Mali has been grappling with a security crisis since 2012, involving the army, jihadist fighters, Tuareg separatist groups, and criminal gangs. This latest attack highlights the ongoing violence affecting civilian populations in the country's northern regions.
Why it mattersOver 40 civilians from the Daoussahak community were killed in an attack blamed on the Islamic State group.
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