The Malian government has initiated a formal investigation into allegations of Ukrainian involvement in a deadly terrorist attack in the northern region of Tizawatene.
The announcement came on Thursday from Amadou Bocar, the Malian prosecutor.
The probe aims to shed light on potential acts of terrorism, complicity in such acts, and any associated financing.
The decision follows public statements by Ukrainian officials claiming responsibility for the attack, which resulted in casualties among Malian defense and security forces.
Andriy Yusov, a spokesperson for the Ukrainian military intelligence agency, publicly asserted his country’s involvement in the attack carried out by armed terrorist groups.
Additionally, Yurrii Pyvovarov, the Ukrainian ambassador to Senegal, expressed support for international terrorism, specifically targeting Mali.
Malian authorities have vowed to identify and prosecute those responsible for the attack.
The prosecutor emphasized that justice will be served following the conclusion of the investigation.
This development comes on the heels of Mali and Niger severing diplomatic ties with Ukraine over its alleged support for terrorism in the region.
The Tizawatene attack claimed the lives of mercenaries from the Russian Wagner group, who were deployed to support the Malian army.