More than 20 civilians killed in series of attacks in Mali

Unidentified attackers stormed and destroyed six villages in the Bandiagara area. They burned and looted the villages, leaving them in ruins, according to unnamed sources on Saturday.

The attackers came in large numbers, traveling on motorbikes, and attacked the first village, where they “killed everyone and destroyed everything,” a source said.

Mali, a West African country, is facing escalating violence from armed groups linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State (IS). These groups emerged in Mali’s desert north after a Tuareg separatist uprising in 2012.

Since then, extremist groups have expanded their operations into other countries in the Sahel region, south of the Sahara. They have seized territory, killed thousands, and forced millions from their homes.

The Sahel region, of which Mali is located, has become one of the world's biggest conflict hotspots. Countries in the region face enormous challenges in preventing the spread of extremist groups.

Although the international community, including the United Nations and regional organizations, has launched many initiatives to support Mali, the situation continues to deteriorate.

Cao Phong (according to France24, Reuters)