Dakar: A suspected jihadist attack targeting a convoy escorted by Malian soldiers and Russia's Wagner mercenaries has left at least 32 people dead in northern Mali. The attack, which occurred on Friday, took place between the northern cities of Gao and Ansongo. Initially, the death toll was reported to be 10, but it quickly rose to A hospital source in Gao confirmed, "We have more than 30 bodies from the scene.
According to a medical source, many of the wounded and deceased have been transferred to Gao, the largest city in northern Mali. A transport trade union representative provided further details, quoting a transporter who managed to escape. The convoy was comprised of 22 minibuses carrying civilians, six large buses, and eight lorries.
Local sources reported that at least five lorries were destroyed by jihadists associated with the Islamic State IS. However, IS has not officially claimed responsibility for the attack. The Malian army has yet to comment on the attack, but a military source stated, "We control the situation on the ground between Ansongo and Gao. Another local official shared that many of the victims were foreign nationals travelling to a gold mine in Intahaka, a major gold mining region in northern Mali.
Mali is one of Africa's top gold producers, though its output has sharply declined in recent years. Since , Mali has struggled with severe security issues stemming from violence by groups linked to Al-Qaeda and IS, as well as local criminal gangs. Hach, described as a "wanted terrorist," was a long-known figure to intelligence services.
In recent years, the country's military rulers have severed ties with France, their former colonial power, and turned towards Russia for both political and military support.
