Amnesty International reported on Wednesday that Mali's army conducted drone strikes in the northern part of the country, resulting in the deaths of at least 13 civilians, including seven children aged between two and 17. According to accounts gathered by the London-based rights group, one man recounted losing his wife and six of his children during a night-time air raid on the area of Amasrakad on March 17.

While the army claimed that the two strikes had contributed to neutralizing many terrorists, Amnesty International disputed this assertion based on testimonies from seven survivors and witnesses. The first strike targeted a pick-up truck, followed by a second strike on a makeshift shelter where residents had sought refuge. These strikes resulted in the immediate death of nine people, with three more individuals succumbing to their injuries. Additionally, a woman discovered later that her unborn fetus had also died as a result of the attacks.

Amnesty's Samira Daoud condemned the civilian casualties, emphasizing the need for accountability and justice. She called for an effective and independent investigation into the killings to ensure that those responsible are held accountable. Mali has been plagued by jihadist groups linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State since 2012, along with self-declared self-defense forces and bandits. The country has been under military rule following coups in 2020 and 2021, exacerbating the security situation amidst a humanitarian and political crisis.

Amnesty International highlighted the army's intensified military operations against Al-Qaeda, IS, and former rebel groups since mid-2023, which have included regular drone strikes. The escalation in military activities, particularly in the regions of Kidal and Gao, has forced many people to flee their homes in search of safety.

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