Amnesty International has condemned recent drone strikes conducted by the Malian military, resulting in the deaths of at least eight civilians, including children.
The human rights organization said that the attacks took place on October 21st in the village of Inadiatafane, located in the Timbuktu region. Witnesses reported that a busy market was targeted, leading to the tragic loss of life.
Amnesty International has called for a thorough investigation into the incident, suggesting that it may constitute a war crime. The group highlighted similar incidents in March of this year, where drone strikes killed 13 and 14 civilians, respectively, including numerous children.
The Malian government has yet to comment on the latest allegations. However, the military junta has faced repeated accusations of human rights abuses and collateral damage in its ongoing fight against jihadist insurgents and separatist groups.
The conflict in Mali has destabilized the region for over a decade, with violence escalating in recent years. Civilian casualties have become increasingly common, as armed groups, government forces, and militias engage in clashes across the country.
Amnesty International’s call for accountability comes as the Malian military junta continues to delay promised democratic elections. The ongoing instability and the lack of transparency surrounding security operations have raised concerns about the protection of civilian lives.