Mali Army Raises Attack Death Toll to 54 After Camps Targeted in Menaka

Mali's armed forces have raised the death toll from a weekend attack in the country's northeast to 54 bodies. Gunmen riding on motorcycles carried out the assault, opening fire on camps in the Menaka region that mainly house members of the Daoussahak community.

Details of the Attack

Security and community sources note that the Daoussahak community is where the Movement for the Salvation of Azawad originated, an armed group aligned with Mali's ruling junta. Following the violence, a military patrol discovered the 54 victims in a camp in Tagadayat. Previous sources had indicated a lower toll of at least 48 dead.

Casualties and Response

The military stated that the victims were buried on site and nine survivors were evacuated to the nearby city of Menaka. Testimonies collected by authorities point to the Islamic State group's Sahel branch as the perpetrator. A security source in Gao reported that the massacre served as retaliation for recent military operations and attacks by the Movement for the Salvation of Azawad.

Context

The Menaka region has faced persistent security challenges involving armed groups and military operations. Armed forces are continuing patrols and security operations across the area following the violence.