Dozens of civilians killed in armed attacks near Menaka, Mali

In the early hours of Sunday, armed riders on motorcycles entered multiple villages roughly 50 kilometres from Menaka in Mali's north-east, opening fire on Daoussahak-predominant camps such as Tinabow and Tagadayat. Witnesses described dozens of bodies and homes set ablaze, with the death toll reported by the Daoussahak executive committee at 48 civilians, while another security source cited a figure of about 50. The attacks triggered a significant displacement of residents toward Menaka.

The community's leadership attributes the violence to the Islamic State, whereas a security analyst suggests it was retaliation for recent military actions against the Mouvement pour le salut de l’Azawad (MSA). The residence of MSA chief Moussa Ag-Acharatoumane, also a member of the national transition council, was hit but no casualties were recorded there. The Malian army earlier said it had struck a terrorist base in the same area the previous day.