The information was released by Tuareg rebels. The town, located near the border with Algeria, was the target of drone attacks, targeting a pharmacy and crowded places, causing the death of 21 civilians, including 11 children. In addition, dozens of others were injured and there was heavy material damage.

The Tuareg rebel alliance, known as the Strategic Framework for the Protection of the People of Azawad (CSP-DPA), blamed the Malian army and Wagner mercenaries, and said Burkina Faso operated the UAVs in the attack.

The fighting near Tinzaouaten in late July may have been the worst defeat for the Wagner group since it helped Mali’s military government fight rebels two years ago. Tuareg rebels said they had killed at least 84 Wagner fighters and 47 Malian soldiers. An al-Qaeda affiliate said it had killed 50 Wagner fighters and 10 Malian soldiers.

However, neither Mali nor Wagner has released the number of soldiers killed, although Wagner has admitted heavy losses.

Northern Mali has seen activity from both Tuareg rebels and jihadist groups linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State (IS). Since Islamist groups seized power from the Tuareg uprising in 2012, Mali has faced a sustained jihadist insurgency, leading to coups in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger since 2020.

The military governments subsequently severed ties with Western and regional allies, turning to Russia for support. Meanwhile, Tuareg rebels withdrew from talks with the Malian government in 2022.

Hong Hanh (according to Reuters)