More than 40 civilians have been killed following a series of weekend assaults by armed men on residential camps across Mali's northeastern Menaka region, according to security and community sources. The attackers arrived on motorcycles and stormed settlements roughly 50 kilometres from the town of Menaka, specifically targeting areas in and around the village of Tinabow and the Tagadayat locality. These settlements are primarily inhabited by members of the Daoussahak community, which is also the origin of the armed group known as the MSA.
A security source based in Gao informed AFP that the killings appear to be a retaliatory measure for recent military operations in the region and previous attacks conducted by the MSA. Initial reports indicate that approximately 40 people were killed, the majority of whom were men. However, a second security official suggested the death toll has reached as high as 50, stating that the gunmen fired indiscriminately at anyone in their path, including the elderly and young people. An elected local official also confirmed witnessing more than 50 bodies, including women and elderly residents.
A local eyewitness described the harrowing scene at Tinabow, noting that several dozen motorcycles arrived suddenly. The attackers began shooting and setting homes on fire without speaking to anyone. The executive bureau of the Daoussahak community has condemned the violence as a massacre and suspects that the Daesh terror group is responsible. The community has issued an urgent appeal for humanitarian assistance for survivors who have been displaced to the town of Menaka.
Mali has been embroiled in a complex multi-front security crisis since 2012, involving national armed forces, paramilitary allies, militant groups, Tuareg separatists, and various criminal networks. The country has also experienced significant political instability, with a military junta seizing power in coups during 2020 and 2021. In response to the regional instability, the Malian military confirmed that it conducted strikes on Saturday approximately 65 kilometres southwest of Menaka, targeting what it described as a major base housing military equipment and several terrorist elements.
