25 civilians killed in Mali as Military-escorted convoy was ambushed by insurgents

A military convoy ambush in Mali has resulted in the deaths of 25 civilians and injured 13 others, according to the Mali army.

According to reports by the spokesman of the Malian army on Sunday, at least 25 civilians, mostly gold miners, were killed and 13 others injured in the attack, which took place near the village of Kobe, around 30 km (19 miles) northeastern city of Gao. However, a local official has put the death toll at up to 56, with an unknown number of military casualties.

The insurgents believed to be linked to Islamic State and Al Qaeda, have been active in the region for over a decade, causing instability and chaos in Mali and its neighboring countries, Benin and Niger.

The army said in a statement that at least 19 assailants were killed when soldiers retaliated and pushed them back.

Since the attack on Friday, No armed group has claimed responsibility for the attack. Several groups operate in the area, including the Islamic State group, the al-Qaeda-linked JNIM, and others from the Azawad region.

Mali has been in a crisis for more than 10 years since the military seized power in 2020.