Armed men on motorcycles attacked Idaksahak community camps, killing at least 48 civilians and burning homes, according to a community group.
At least 48 civilians were killed Sunday, October 18, in attacks on camps near Menaka in northeastern Mali. The Idaksahak community's executive bureau accused Islamic State in the Sahel (ISS) elements of carrying out the violence. Survivors are fleeing towards Menaka town, where they may require urgent assistance.
Armed men on motorcycles attacked the Tinabow and Tagadayat camps, approximately 50 kilometers from Menaka. The attackers reportedly opened fire on residents and set homes ablaze. The Idaksahak community bureau stated that 48 civilians were killed in Tagadayat and attributed the attack to Daesh elements, calling for authorities and humanitarian actors to aid displaced people.
These attacks occur amid ongoing clashes between rival armed groups, including the ISS and JNIM, for control of the border region. The violence also follows a Malian army airstrike on a "terrorist" base in the area. Human Rights Watch also reported suspected war crimes in Mali, including the execution of Malian soldiers in July.
Why it mattersCivilians in the Menaka region are directly affected by armed attacks that result in death and displacement.
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