A wave of violence erupted across central Mali on Friday as suspected insurgents launched a series of deadly attacks on several villages in the Mopti region.
The assailants, believed to be affiliated with extremist groups, conducted coordinated raids, leaving over 20 civilians dead and causing widespread destruction.
Witnesses described scenes of horror, with assailants, arriving on motorcycles, systematically targeting villages, burning homes, and killing residents.
The attacks have left communities reeling and instilled fear among the civilian population.
This tragic incident underscores the ongoing security challenges facing Mali, where armed groups linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State have been wreaking havoc for years.
The violence has displaced millions and destabilized entire regions, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
The Malian government has yet to issue an official statement on the attacks.