Mali incident: Africa Corps strikes kill civilians, HRW reports
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Human Rights Watch has accused the Russian-backed Africa Corps of carrying out airstrikes in central Mali that resulted in the deaths of eight civilians, including three children, on June 15. The international watchdog asserts that none of the victims were affiliated with any armed group.
Civilian casualties in Mopti region village
A report released by Human Rights Watch details how a Sukhoi Su-24 aircraft targeted Kyrnia village in the Mopti region. According to the NGO, the first strike hit the village chief’s residence, killing his wife and three children. The second strike struck a nearby livestock market, claiming four more lives and leaving several others injured. HRW emphasizes that none of the victims were linked to any armed factions.
Africa Corps claims jihadist target
The Africa Corps, which collaborates with Malian forces in counterterrorism operations, claimed on social media that the strikes targeted a « gathering point for terrorist groups. » However, Human Rights Watch points out that while witnesses reported the presence of fighters from the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM) in the village at the time, there is no evidence to suggest the civilians were involved in combat.
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