During the operation, three of its soldiers were wounded when they came under fire, the force added a few hours later.

The MINUSMA force's departure from Ber comes after the Malian army on Saturday said six soldiers died and 24 fighters from "armed terrorist groups" were killed in a skirmish in the area on Friday.

Former rebels from the Tuareg ethnic group also said the army and the Russian mercenary group Wagner had attacked their forces in Ber on Friday.

"MINUSMA has expedited its withdrawal from #Ber due to the deteriorating security situation in the area &amp; the high risks posed to our #BlueHelmets," the force said Sunday on Twitter, recently rebranded as "X".

"It urges all concerned parties to refrain from any actions that could further complicate the operation."

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/niger-regime-leader-open-to-explore-diplomacy-625135">Niger regime leader 'open to explore diplomacy'</a>

The number of troops involved or details on the original departure date were not specified.

In a message posted later Sunday, the forced added: "The MINUSMA convoy that withdrew from #Ber today was attacked twice," adding that three wounded peacekeepers had been evacuated to Timbuktu for treatment.

Attacks against peacekeepers can constitute war crimes under international law, the statement added.

'Numerous incidents'

Mali's army in a statement issued on Sunday evening, said it had taken possession of the Ber camp "after numerous incidents had marred the movement of our units".

Army troops were targeted with sporadic fire as they advanced towards Ber on Sunday, the statement said, without identifying the assailants.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-four-killed-several-injured-after-attack-on-shiite-muslim-shrine-in-iran-reports-625123">At least one killed, several injured after attack on Shiite Muslim shrine in Iran: Reports</a>

The army also reported earlier incidents, while it was on the way to Ber.

It said armed "terrorist" groups had staged "an attempted incursion into the camp and harassing fire" against its troops, as well as other clashes, which left a total of six soldiers dead and four wounded, according to a military press release.

 
For several days now, the Ber area has been the scene of tensions between the army and the Russian Wagner paramilitary group against the CMA, an alliance of Tuareg-dominated groups seeking autonomy or independence from the Malian state and which controls vast areas of the north.

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A CMA official, commenting on social media on Sunday, had called for MINUSMA to "simply leave" Ber and not hand the camp over to the army,

The junta, which has ruled Mali since 2020 has pushed the UN Security Council in June to withdraw MINUSMA by the end of the year.

The UN Security Council in June decided to do so and the first departures happened early this month from the central Ogossagou base.

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&nbsp;

During the operation, three of its soldiers were wounded when they came under fire, the force added a few hours later. The MINUSMA force's departure from Ber comes after the Malian army on Saturday said six soldiers died and 24 fighters from "armed terrorist groups" were killed in a skirmish in the area on Friday.

During the operation, three of its soldiers were wounded when they came under fire, the force added a few hours later. The MINUSMA force's departure from Ber comes after the Malian army on Saturday said six soldiers died and 24 fighters from "armed terrorist groups" were killed in a skirmish in the area on Friday. Former rebels from the Tuareg ethnic group also said the army and the Russian mercenary group Wagner had attacked their forces in Ber on Friday. "MINUSMA has expedited its withdrawal from #Ber due to the deteriorating security situation in the area & the high risks posed to our #BlueHelmets," the force said Sunday on Twitter, recently rebranded as "X". "It urges all concerned parties to refrain from any actions that could further complicate the operation." Also Read | Niger regime leader 'open to explore diplomacy' The number of troops involved or details on the original departure date were not specified. In a message posted later Sunday, the forced added: "The MINUSMA convoy that withdrew from #Ber today was attacked twice," adding that three wounded peacekeepers had been evacuated to Timbuktu for treatment. Attacks against peacekeepers can constitute war crimes under international law, the statement added. 'Numerous incidents' Mali's army in a statement issued on Sunday evening, said it had taken possession of the Ber camp "after numerous incidents had marred the movement of our units". Army troops were targeted with sporadic fire as they advanced towards Ber on Sunday, the statement said, without identifying the assailants. Also Read | At least one killed, several injured after attack on Shiite Muslim shrine in Iran: Reports The army also reported earlier incidents, while it was on the way to Ber. It said armed "terrorist" groups had staged "an attempted incursion into the camp and harassing fire" against its troops, as well as other clashes, which left a total of six soldiers dead and four wounded, according to a military press release. For several days now, the Ber area has been the scene of tensions between the army and the Russian Wagner paramilitary group against the CMA, an alliance of Tuareg-dominated groups seeking autonomy or independence from the Malian state and which controls vast areas of the north. WATCH | Chinese vessel prepares to dock to Colombo × A CMA official, commenting on social media on Sunday, had called for MINUSMA to "simply leave" Ber and not hand the camp over to the army, The junta, which has ruled Mali since 2020 has pushed the UN Security Council in June to withdraw MINUSMA by the end of the year. The UN Security Council in June decided to do so and the first departures happened early this month from the central Ogossagou base. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

UN peacekeeping mission in Mali quits base early over insecurity

In response to regional threats to intervene against the coup leaders in Niger, the ruling juntas of Mali and Burkina Faso sent delegations to Niamey on Monday to demonstrate their solidarity with them. The discussions took place after the ECOWAS-imposed deadline for the Nigerien military to reinstate ousted president Mohamed Bazoum had passed.

Burkina Faso and Mali delegations reach Niger

Mali is now decided to drop the French language as its official language designation with its new constitution. Mali has 13 other national languages the status of official language and according to reports the new constitution has been passed with a vote share of nearly about 96.91 per cent.

Mali: 13 other spoken languages to receive official status

Due to a one-letter error in the domain name "report," the UK has unintentionally been sending sensitive material to Mali, a country that is allied with Russia. Unintentionally sending emails to Mali that contain classified material are British officials. The domain name was incorrectly spelt by officials as ". ml" when it should have been ".

UK defence officials send classified intel to African nation

Due to a small typing error, millions of emails from the US military that included extremely sensitive information were unintentionally transmitted to Mali. Notably, Mali is a West African nation and a Russian ally. Confusion was initially triggered by a straightforward domain name error.

US information leaked to Russian ally Mali due to email typing error

A mere “typo” led millions of US military emails that contained highly sensitive information to be redirected to Mali, a West African country which is an ally of Russia.

The confusion seems to have arisen due to the domain name for sending emails. While the US military uses “.MIL” domain, the mails were being sent to “.ML,” the domain for Mali.

As a result, sensitive information, including diplomatic documents, tax returns, passwords, and travel details of top officers, were sent erroneously to the Mali government’s official email ID.

<h2>Happened multiple times</h2>

But what is concerning is that it has happened multiple times, with the first instance being reported almost a decade ago by Johannes Zuurbier, a Dutch internet entrepreneur who has a contract to manage Mali’s country domain, the Financial Times (FT) newspaper reported.

Since January this year, Zuurbier claims to have collected close to 117,000 misdirected messages, with almost 1,000 arriving on Wednesday alone.

One email that was misdirected to Mali this year included the travel plans for General James McConville, the chief of staff of the US Army, and his delegation for a then-forthcoming visit to Indonesia in May.

He has been trying to get in&nbsp;contact with the US officials to apprise them of the grave error.

The Amsterdam-based entrepreneur approached US officials repeatedly, including through a defence attaché in Mali, a senior adviser to the US national cyber security service, and even White House officials.

In July, he sent a letter to the US writing, “This risk is real and could be exploited by adversaries of the US.”

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Till Sunday, the .ML domain was being handled by Zuurbier due to the 10-year contract, which expired on Monday.

<h2>US says aware of situation</h2>

It will revert to Mali’s government, which is closely allied with Russia, and might allow it to gain access to the millions of misdirected emails.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-he-will-establish-peace-in-ukraine-within-24-hours-of-coming-to-power-616620">Trump says he'll establish peace in Ukraine within 24 hours of coming to power</a>

Responding to the matter, Lt. Commander Tim Gorman, a spokesman for the Pentagon, told FT that the Department of Defence “is aware of this issue and takes all unauthorised disclosures of controlled national security information or controlled unclassified information seriously”.

He further said that emails sent directly from the .mil domain to Malian addresses “are blocked before they leave the .mil domain and the sender is notified that they must validate the email addresses of the intended recipients”.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A mere “typo” led millions of US military emails that contained highly sensitive information to be redirected to Mali, a West African country which is an ally of Russia.

A mere “typo” led millions of US military emails that contained highly sensitive information to be redirected to Mali, a West African country which is an ally of Russia. The confusion seems to have arisen due to the domain name for sending emails. While the US military uses “.MIL” domain, the mails were being sent to “.ML,” the domain for Mali. As a result, sensitive information, including diplomatic documents, tax returns, passwords, and travel details of top officers, were sent erroneously to the Mali government’s official email ID. Happened multiple times But what is concerning is that it has happened multiple times, with the first instance being reported almost a decade ago by Johannes Zuurbier, a Dutch internet entrepreneur who has a contract to manage Mali’s country domain, the Financial Times (FT) newspaper reported. Since January this year, Zuurbier claims to have collected close to 117,000 misdirected messages, with almost 1,000 arriving on Wednesday alone. One email that was misdirected to Mali this year included the travel plans for General James McConville, the chief of staff of the US Army, and his delegation for a then-forthcoming visit to Indonesia in May. He has been trying to get in contact with the US officials to apprise them of the grave error. The Amsterdam-based entrepreneur approached US officials repeatedly, including through a defence attaché in Mali, a senior adviser to the US national cyber security service, and even White House officials. In July, he sent a letter to the US writing, “This risk is real and could be exploited by adversaries of the US.” Also read | Two Singaporean lawmakers resign after admitting to ‘inappropriate relationship’ Till Sunday, the .ML domain was being handled by Zuurbier due to the 10-year contract, which expired on Monday. US says aware of situation It will revert to Mali’s government, which is closely allied with Russia, and might allow it to gain access to the millions of misdirected emails. Also read | Trump says he'll establish peace in Ukraine within 24 hours of coming to power Responding to the matter, Lt. Commander Tim Gorman, a spokesman for the Pentagon, told FT that the Department of Defence “is aware of this issue and takes all unauthorised disclosures of controlled national security information or controlled unclassified information seriously”. He further said that emails sent directly from the .mil domain to Malian addresses “are blocked before they leave the .mil domain and the sender is notified that they must validate the email addresses of the intended recipients”. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Thousands of US military emails mistakenly sent to Russian ally Mali due to ‘typo’

Mali's junta carried out a partial reshuffle of the government a day before a day later. United Nations Security Council withdraws troops following a referendum.

Mali's military government asks UNSC to withdraw troops

The military junta of Mali reached a deal with Russia to deploy troops from the Wagner group just days before the United Nations Security Council voted to end its peacekeeping mission in Mali. Relations between Mali and the U.N. have been deteriorating ever since the military regime took power in a coup in 2020. The United Nations multi-dimensional integrated stabilisation mission is known as "minusima," and the Malian government declared it a failure and requested for its termination last week.

Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov: Unstinting support to Mali

The UN Security Council on Friday ended a decade-old peacekeeping mission in Mali, whose military junta has aligned with Russia and demanded the withdrawal of the international force battling jihadists.

Under pressure from Mali junta, UN ends peacekeeping mission

The United States has imposed sanctions on the mercenary group Wagner’s local boss in Mali. The announcement was made by the US Treasury Department on Friday, claiming that the group's&nbsp;head Ivan Maslov was in Bali to obtain military equipment for the Ukranian war, apart from securing arms from other African countries.

<meta charset="utf-8" />

The Treasury Department claimed that Wagner employees may be trying to procure mines, drones and radar equipment.

There have been media reports that Wagner has been operating in some African countries, including Mali, and expanding its presence in the region.&nbsp;

It has been alleged that the group has been providing Mali's military government with assistance in the fight against Islamist insurgents.

“Today, the US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned Ivan Aleksandrovich Maslov (Maslov), the head of Russian Private Military Company ‘Wagner’ (Wagner Group) paramilitary units and its principal administrator based in Mali,” the Treasury said in a statement, according to CNN.

“The Wagner Group may be attempting to obscure its efforts to acquire military equipment for use in Ukraine, including by working through Mali and other countries where it has a foothold. The United States opposes efforts by any country to assist Russia through the Wagner Group,” it added.

<h2 dir="ltr">Wagner working with Malian officials</h2>

The US sees Maslov as a key figure in Wagner group, working with Malian officials to build the military group’s presence.

The Treasury believes that the group might be trying to exploit the abundance of arms in Mali.&nbsp;

"The Wagner Group's presence on the African continent is a destabilising force for any country that allows for the deployment of the group's resources into their sovereign territory," the US Treasury Department statement said.

The US also insinuated that Wagner might be "seeking to transit material acquisitions for Ukraine through Mali" and was "willing to use false paperwork for these transactions".

It also accused Wagner of supplying Sudan's Rapid Support Forces with missiles for its conflict with the Sudanese army.

Wagner has been the key cog in Russia’s renewed offensive in Ukraine. The group has been responsible in securing the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut after months of protracted battle.&nbsp;

On Thursday, Wagner began withdrawing its troops in order to hand control over to the Russian military.

Earlier this year, the US designated Wagner as a transnational criminal organisation. Prigozhin and other Wagner leaders are already subject to sanctions.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The United States has imposed sanctions on the mercenary group Wagner’s local boss in Mali. The announcement was made by the US Treasury Department on Friday, claiming that the group's head Ivan Maslov was in Bali to obtain military equipment for the Ukranian war, apart from securing arms from other African countries.

The United States has imposed sanctions on the mercenary group Wagner’s local boss in Mali. The announcement was made by the US Treasury Department on Friday, claiming that the group's head Ivan Maslov was in Bali to obtain military equipment for the Ukranian war, apart from securing arms from other African countries. The Treasury Department claimed that Wagner employees may be trying to procure mines, drones and radar equipment. There have been media reports that Wagner has been operating in some African countries, including Mali, and expanding its presence in the region. It has been alleged that the group has been providing Mali's military government with assistance in the fight against Islamist insurgents. “Today, the US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned Ivan Aleksandrovich Maslov (Maslov), the head of Russian Private Military Company ‘Wagner’ (Wagner Group) paramilitary units and its principal administrator based in Mali,” the Treasury said in a statement, according to CNN. “The Wagner Group may be attempting to obscure its efforts to acquire military equipment for use in Ukraine, including by working through Mali and other countries where it has a foothold. The United States opposes efforts by any country to assist Russia through the Wagner Group,” it added. Wagner working with Malian officials The US sees Maslov as a key figure in Wagner group, working with Malian officials to build the military group’s presence. The Treasury believes that the group might be trying to exploit the abundance of arms in Mali. "The Wagner Group's presence on the African continent is a destabilising force for any country that allows for the deployment of the group's resources into their sovereign territory," the US Treasury Department statement said. The US also insinuated that Wagner might be "seeking to transit material acquisitions for Ukraine through Mali" and was "willing to use false paperwork for these transactions". It also accused Wagner of supplying Sudan's Rapid Support Forces with missiles for its conflict with the Sudanese army. Wagner has been the key cog in Russia’s renewed offensive in Ukraine. The group has been responsible in securing the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut after months of protracted battle. On Thursday, Wagner began withdrawing its troops in order to hand control over to the Russian military. Earlier this year, the US designated Wagner as a transnational criminal organisation. Prigozhin and other Wagner leaders are already subject to sanctions. (With inputs from agencies)

US sanctions Wagner’s local chief in Mali, claims group sourcing weapons to Russia

A much-awaited report released by the United Nations (UN)&nbsp;on Friday claimed that at least 500 people were executed by foreign fighters and the Malian army during an anti-militant operation carried out in March 2022.&nbsp;

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) released the figures which revealed the worst atrocity the Sahel country has gone through since militant insurgency flared up in 2012.

The report is also the most damning document released till now against the armed forces of Mali and their foreign allies.

In the report, the&nbsp;nationality of foreign fighters has not been explicitly identified, although Mali has brought in Russians who are claimed to be Wagner mercenaries.

ALSO READ |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-9-killed-over-60-injured-after-triple-suicide-bombing-in-mali-585183"> At least nine killed, over 60 injured after triple suicide bombing in Mali</a>

Explaining the events that unfolded in Mali's central town of Moura between March 27 and March 31 last year, the OHCHR said that it had "reasonable grounds to believe that at least 500 people were killed in violation of norms, standards, rules and/or principles of international law."

The victims were "executed by the Malian Armed Forces&nbsp;and foreign military personnel" who were completely controlling the area, it said.

The UN peacekeeping mission's human rights division in Mali, MINUSMA published the report after a lengthy investigation.&nbsp;

According to the report, around 20 women and seven children were killed, while evidence indicated that 58 women and girls were victims of rape and sexual violence.&nbsp;

People who had been detained were tortured, it stated.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk termed the findings "extremely disturbing".

"Summary executions, rape and torture during armed conflict amount to war crimes and could, depending on the circumstances, amount to crimes against humanity," he said in a statement.

WATCH | Africa insurgency: Security experts say situation may get worse

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Mali's ruling junta did not react to the report on Friday. A military junta rules Mali after it toppled the elected president of the country in 2020 amid protests over the failure to counter the militants.&nbsp;

After taking over Mali, the junta brought in Russian operatives and warplanes to assist its beleaguered armed forces and broke ties with France, which was the traditional ally of the country.&nbsp;

The junta claims that Russians are providing military training and denies the accusations of them being Wagner mercenaries. 
 
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A much-awaited report released by the United Nations (UN) on Friday claimed that at least 500 people were executed by foreign fighters and the Malian army during an anti-militant operation carried out in March 2022.

A much-awaited report released by the United Nations (UN) on Friday claimed that at least 500 people were executed by foreign fighters and the Malian army during an anti-militant operation carried out in March 2022. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) released the figures which revealed the worst atrocity the Sahel country has gone through since militant insurgency flared up in 2012. The report is also the most damning document released till now against the armed forces of Mali and their foreign allies. In the report, the nationality of foreign fighters has not been explicitly identified, although Mali has brought in Russians who are claimed to be Wagner mercenaries. ALSO READ | At least nine killed, over 60 injured after triple suicide bombing in Mali Explaining the events that unfolded in Mali's central town of Moura between March 27 and March 31 last year, the OHCHR said that it had "reasonable grounds to believe that at least 500 people were killed in violation of norms, standards, rules and/or principles of international law." The victims were "executed by the Malian Armed Forces and foreign military personnel" who were completely controlling the area, it said. The UN peacekeeping mission's human rights division in Mali, MINUSMA published the report after a lengthy investigation. According to the report, around 20 women and seven children were killed, while evidence indicated that 58 women and girls were victims of rape and sexual violence. People who had been detained were tortured, it stated. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk termed the findings "extremely disturbing". "Summary executions, rape and torture during armed conflict amount to war crimes and could, depending on the circumstances, amount to crimes against humanity," he said in a statement. WATCH | Africa insurgency: Security experts say situation may get worse Mali's ruling junta did not react to the report on Friday. A military junta rules Mali after it toppled the elected president of the country in 2020 amid protests over the failure to counter the militants. After taking over Mali, the junta brought in Russian operatives and warplanes to assist its beleaguered armed forces and broke ties with France, which was the traditional ally of the country. The junta claims that Russians are providing military training and denies the accusations of them being Wagner mercenaries. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

500 killed by Mali army, ‘foreign’ fighters in March 2022 anti-militant operation, says UN report

At least nine people have been killed and more than 60 have been injured after a triple suicide bomb attack took place in the central Mali town of Sevare, early Saturday (April 22), said the regional governor’s spokesperson, as per Reuters. A report by AFP citing the country’s local and military officials said that the attack lasted for nearly three hours and the Malian military has since regained control of the area.

What do we know about the attack?

The spokesperson, Yacouba Maiga, told Reuters by phone that all those killed and wounded in Saturday’s blasts were civilians. So far, no individual or group has claimed responsibility for the attack. Meanwhile, the local and military officials said that the attack lasted from 5:30 am (local time) to around 8:00 am (local time) in Mopti region’s Sevare. &nbsp;

Eyewitnesses also told AFP, four loud explosions were heard, followed by automatic weapons fire while smoke was also seen near the airport. The governor of the Mopti region, Colonel Major Abass Dembele, visited the site after the attack and termed it a “car bomb attack” targeting an air base in Sevare.

“He first visited the wounded admitted to the Somine Dolo hospital before going to the...airport area where the vehicle bomb packed with explosives exploded without reaching its target,” said a statement, as per AFP. It added that the governor also praised the local residents who were “strongly mobilised” to donate blood to the injured.

Additionally, earlier on Saturday, Mali’s government, in a statement on national television that “a terrorist attack” had been stopped by the army in Sevare, reported Reuters, adding that “three vehicles filled with explosives were destroyed by army drone fire.”&nbsp;

Similarly, speaking on the condition of anonymity to AFP, a Malian military official referred to the incident as a “terrorist” attack. This also&nbsp;comes two days after the chief of staff of Mali’s interim president and three others were killed.&nbsp;

Army helicopter crashes in Mali’s capital city

In a separate incident, a Malian army helicopter crashed in a residential neighbourhood of the capital Bamako, on Saturday around 1:10 pm (local time) while returning from an “operational mission,” said the General Staff of the Armed Forces, in a statement. &nbsp;

UN mission in Mali

Mali is at the centre of a violent insurgency following a separatist rebellion in 2012. Notably, Sevare is home to a major Mali military base and troops from the United Nations’ mission in Mali, MINUSMA.&nbsp;

The local elected official said Senegalese soldiers from the MINUSMA were involved in the fighting, reported AFP. The UN peacekeeping mission’s camp covers four hectares of land next to the airport and the Malian army camp.&nbsp;

Russian troops in Mali?

Citing two local elected officials and a diplomatic source the site has been referred to as a camp housing Russian troops by the news agency AFP. This comes as Mali’s junta in 2022 began working with what it calls Russian military “instructors,” while opponents have reportedly said these are mercenaries from Russia’s Wagner group.&nbsp;

“It is the Russian camp and their planes that have been targeted – the camp is near the airport”, an anonymous local elected official told AFP.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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At least nine people have been killed and more than 60 have been injured after a triple suicide bomb attack took place in the central Mali town of Sevare, early Saturday (April 22), said the regional governor’s spokesperson, as per Reuters.

At least nine people have been killed and more than 60 have been injured after a triple suicide bomb attack took place in the central Mali town of Sevare, early Saturday (April 22), said the regional governor’s spokesperson, as per Reuters. A report by AFP citing the country’s local and military officials said that the attack lasted for nearly three hours and the Malian military has since regained control of the area. What do we know about the attack? The spokesperson, Yacouba Maiga, told Reuters by phone that all those killed and wounded in Saturday’s blasts were civilians. So far, no individual or group has claimed responsibility for the attack. Meanwhile, the local and military officials said that the attack lasted from 5:30 am (local time) to around 8:00 am (local time) in Mopti region’s Sevare. Eyewitnesses also told AFP, four loud explosions were heard, followed by automatic weapons fire while smoke was also seen near the airport. The governor of the Mopti region, Colonel Major Abass Dembele, visited the site after the attack and termed it a “car bomb attack” targeting an air base in Sevare. “He first visited the wounded admitted to the Somine Dolo hospital before going to the...airport area where the vehicle bomb packed with explosives exploded without reaching its target,” said a statement, as per AFP. It added that the governor also praised the local residents who were “strongly mobilised” to donate blood to the injured. Additionally, earlier on Saturday, Mali’s government, in a statement on national television that “a terrorist attack” had been stopped by the army in Sevare, reported Reuters, adding that “three vehicles filled with explosives were destroyed by army drone fire.” Similarly, speaking on the condition of anonymity to AFP, a Malian military official referred to the incident as a “terrorist” attack. This also comes two days after the chief of staff of Mali’s interim president and three others were killed. Army helicopter crashes in Mali’s capital city In a separate incident, a Malian army helicopter crashed in a residential neighbourhood of the capital Bamako, on Saturday around 1:10 pm (local time) while returning from an “operational mission,” said the General Staff of the Armed Forces, in a statement. UN mission in Mali Mali is at the centre of a violent insurgency following a separatist rebellion in 2012. Notably, Sevare is home to a major Mali military base and troops from the United Nations’ mission in Mali, MINUSMA. The local elected official said Senegalese soldiers from the MINUSMA were involved in the fighting, reported AFP. The UN peacekeeping mission’s camp covers four hectares of land next to the airport and the Malian army camp. Russian troops in Mali? Citing two local elected officials and a diplomatic source the site has been referred to as a camp housing Russian troops by the news agency AFP. This comes as Mali’s junta in 2022 began working with what it calls Russian military “instructors,” while opponents have reportedly said these are mercenaries from Russia’s Wagner group. “It is the Russian camp and their planes that have been targeted – the camp is near the airport”, an anonymous local elected official told AFP. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

At least nine killed, over 60 injured after triple suicide bombing in Mali

Two Red Cross workers who were kidnapped in northern Mali in March first week were released Sunday evening.&nbsp;

International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in a tweet wrote, "We confirm that the two ICRC employees kidnapped on March 4 between (the cities of) Gao and Kidal in northern Mali were released this evening."&nbsp;

"Our colleagues are well and have been released unharmed without conditions. We thank all those who contributed to their release."

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ICRC on 4 March had tweeted about the arrest of two of its workers. "We confirm the kidnapping of 02 of our colleagues this morning ... We ask for no speculation about the incident so as not to hinder its resolution," the ICRC in Mali had said at the time of the kidnapping.&nbsp;

However, ICRC had not revealed any information regarding the kidnapping and the people who became the victim of it. The organisation also refrained disclosing the nationality of the people who were kidnapped.

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Mali has been experiencing turmoil since 2012, especially in the northern part of the country. Tuareg rebellions in northern Mali launched an offensive on 17 January 2012 calling for autonomy for their nomadic desert tribe.

The clashes has led to grave humanitarian crisis displacing millions of &nbsp;people. The violence also led to thousands of casualities in Mali. Moreover, the Malian army also inflicted losses of its soldiers along with the killing of civilians.&nbsp;

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With government losing its grip in some parts of the country, the incidents of kidnapping at the hands of separatist groups have become common.&nbsp;

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Two Red Cross workers who were kidnapped in northern Mali in March first week were released Sunday evening. International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in a tweet wrote, "We confirm that the two ICRC employees kidnapped on March 4 between (the cities of) Gao and Kidal in northern Mali were released this evening.

Two Red Cross workers who were kidnapped in northern Mali in March first week were released Sunday evening. International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in a tweet wrote, "We confirm that the two ICRC employees kidnapped on March 4 between (the cities of) Gao and Kidal in northern Mali were released this evening." "Our colleagues are well and have been released unharmed without conditions. We thank all those who contributed to their release." Also Read | Former Taiwanese president Ma to visit China from March 27 ICRC on 4 March had tweeted about the arrest of two of its workers. "We confirm the kidnapping of 02 of our colleagues this morning ... We ask for no speculation about the incident so as not to hinder its resolution," the ICRC in Mali had said at the time of the kidnapping. However, ICRC had not revealed any information regarding the kidnapping and the people who became the victim of it. The organisation also refrained disclosing the nationality of the people who were kidnapped. Also Read | Rights activists in Bosnia injured in attack following LGBT event ban: Reports Mali has been experiencing turmoil since 2012, especially in the northern part of the country. Tuareg rebellions in northern Mali launched an offensive on 17 January 2012 calling for autonomy for their nomadic desert tribe. The clashes has led to grave humanitarian crisis displacing millions of people. The violence also led to thousands of casualities in Mali. Moreover, the Malian army also inflicted losses of its soldiers along with the killing of civilians. Watch | After Iran-Saudi pact, China to play peacemaker in Ukraine war? With government losing its grip in some parts of the country, the incidents of kidnapping at the hands of separatist groups have become common. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Two kidnapped Red Cross workers released in Mali

At least one United Nations peacekeeper from South Africa was killed, while another was injured after their helicopter in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo was attacked, on Sunday (February 5), said the agency spokesperson in the region. On the same day, Mali’s ruling junta announced that it was expelling the head of the human rights division of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA).

A UN peacekeeper was killed in DRC after their helicopter was attacked

At least one UN peacekeeper was killed and another injured after their aircraft came under fire at around 3:00 pm (local time) during a flight to Goma, said Amadou Ba, a spokesman for the UN mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) to AFP. He added, the source of fire that struck the helicopter was not known and neither its precise location could be determined.&nbsp;

Subsequently, in a statement, the South African military also confirmed the incident which involved an Oryx helicopter. “A crew member was fatally shot, another suffered injuries but managed to continue flying the chopper and landed safely at Goma Airport,” said the South African National Defense Force (SANDF). Meanwhile, neither South Africa nor the UN mission has indicated who might be responsible for the attack, they also did not reveal which weapon was used to fire at the helicopter.&nbsp;

In a statement, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, asked the Congolese authorities to launch an investigation into the “heinous attack” and bring those responsible to justice. Similarly, MONUSCO chief Bintou Keita strongly condemned the incident and described it as a “cowardly attack” on an aircraft with the UN emblem and said that “attacks against peacekeepers can constitute a war crime”.

Mali’s junta expels UN mission’s human rights chief

In a statement, the Malian interim government, on Sunday (February 5), declared the head of the UN peacekeeping mission’s human rights division, Guillaume Ngefa-Atondoko Andali, as persona non grata and said he has 48 hours to leave the country. This comes after he was allegedly connected to the biased choice of civil society witnesses for UN Security Council briefings on Mali. The most recent briefing was held on January 27.&nbsp;

Notably, the officials in Mali have repeatedly come under fire for their alleged human rights violations perpetrated by Malian armed forces reportedly in partnership with the Russian private military contractor Wagner Group. This also comes days after the UN experts called for an investigation into possible war crimes and crimes against humanity by these forces in Mali in January. 
 
Notably, the current Malian government took power two years following a military coup and has since pushed back against some of the allegations by the UN, asserting their authorities are committed to respecting human rights in accordance with international and national law.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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At least one United Nations peacekeeper from South Africa was killed, while another was injured after their helicopter in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo was attacked, on Sunday (February 5), said the agency spokesperson in the region.

At least one United Nations peacekeeper from South Africa was killed, while another was injured after their helicopter in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo was attacked, on Sunday (February 5), said the agency spokesperson in the region. On the same day, Mali’s ruling junta announced that it was expelling the head of the human rights division of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA). A UN peacekeeper was killed in DRC after their helicopter was attacked At least one UN peacekeeper was killed and another injured after their aircraft came under fire at around 3:00 pm (local time) during a flight to Goma, said Amadou Ba, a spokesman for the UN mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) to AFP. He added, the source of fire that struck the helicopter was not known and neither its precise location could be determined. Subsequently, in a statement, the South African military also confirmed the incident which involved an Oryx helicopter. “A crew member was fatally shot, another suffered injuries but managed to continue flying the chopper and landed safely at Goma Airport,” said the South African National Defense Force (SANDF). Meanwhile, neither South Africa nor the UN mission has indicated who might be responsible for the attack, they also did not reveal which weapon was used to fire at the helicopter. In a statement, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, asked the Congolese authorities to launch an investigation into the “heinous attack” and bring those responsible to justice. Similarly, MONUSCO chief Bintou Keita strongly condemned the incident and described it as a “cowardly attack” on an aircraft with the UN emblem and said that “attacks against peacekeepers can constitute a war crime”. Mali’s junta expels UN mission’s human rights chief In a statement, the Malian interim government, on Sunday (February 5), declared the head of the UN peacekeeping mission’s human rights division, Guillaume Ngefa-Atondoko Andali, as persona non grata and said he has 48 hours to leave the country. This comes after he was allegedly connected to the biased choice of civil society witnesses for UN Security Council briefings on Mali. The most recent briefing was held on January 27. Notably, the officials in Mali have repeatedly come under fire for their alleged human rights violations perpetrated by Malian armed forces reportedly in partnership with the Russian private military contractor Wagner Group. This also comes days after the UN experts called for an investigation into possible war crimes and crimes against humanity by these forces in Mali in January. Notably, the current Malian government took power two years following a military coup and has since pushed back against some of the allegations by the UN, asserting their authorities are committed to respecting human rights in accordance with international and national law. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

UN peacekeeper killed after attack on helicopter in DRC; Mali expels UN mission's human rights chief

If reports are to be believed, the Russian mercenary group Wagner is responsible for at least some of the 13 civilian deaths in conflict-torn Mali.

In a conversation with AFP, local sources have confirmed the death of 13 civilians by the Malian troops and a few white soldiers, believed to be from Russia's Wagner.&nbsp;

The local sources claimed that the Maian soldiers along with some white soldiers arrived in Guelledje, a village in central Mali in large numbers. The source further added that there were gunfires and several arrests made. Till now the fatalities have been claimed to be 13.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/attack-in-mali-by-islamic-state-groups-claims-lives-of-nearly-30-people-514998">Also read |&nbsp;Attack in Mali by Islamic State groups claims lives of nearly 30 people</a>

A resident claimed the reason behind the arrival of soldiers and the gunfires were because the village is considered to be a 'jihadist settlement.'

An official told that nearly 20 Pelu civilians have even been killed and arrested in the same village.&nbsp;

An official military source critically denied the allegations.&nbsp;The government further said that the Russians are working with the country's army as military&nbsp;instructors.

Its believed that the Wagner group has been engaged in combat in Ukraine since 2014.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/either-prisoners-fight-in-ukraine-or-your-children-decide-for-yourself-russian-mercenary-boss-516855">Also&nbsp;read |&nbsp;Either prisoners fight in Ukraine, or your children, decide for yourself: Russian mercenary boss</a>

Superpowers like the US, France and several western countries have accused the government of deploying Russian mercenaries to fight the jihadist.&nbsp;

Mali has been under severe political, economic and humanitarian crisis after the army seized power in 2020.&nbsp;

The United Nations also accused the army of long-term abuses and torture of civilians.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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If reports are to be believed, the Russian mercenary group Wagner is responsible for at least some of the 13 civilian deaths in conflict-torn Mali. In a conversation with AFP, local sources have confirmed the death of 13 civilians by the Malian troops and a few white soldiers, believed to be from Russia's Wagner.

If reports are to be believed, the Russian mercenary group Wagner is responsible for at least some of the 13 civilian deaths in conflict-torn Mali. In a conversation with AFP, local sources have confirmed the death of 13 civilians by the Malian troops and a few white soldiers, believed to be from Russia's Wagner. The local sources claimed that the Maian soldiers along with some white soldiers arrived in Guelledje, a village in central Mali in large numbers. The source further added that there were gunfires and several arrests made. Till now the fatalities have been claimed to be 13. Also read | Attack in Mali by Islamic State groups claims lives of nearly 30 people A resident claimed the reason behind the arrival of soldiers and the gunfires were because the village is considered to be a 'jihadist settlement.' An official told that nearly 20 Pelu civilians have even been killed and arrested in the same village. An official military source critically denied the allegations. The government further said that the Russians are working with the country's army as military instructors. Its believed that the Wagner group has been engaged in combat in Ukraine since 2014. Also read | Either prisoners fight in Ukraine, or your children, decide for yourself: Russian mercenary boss Superpowers like the US, France and several western countries have accused the government of deploying Russian mercenaries to fight the jihadist. Mali has been under severe political, economic and humanitarian crisis after the army seized power in 2020. The United Nations also accused the army of long-term abuses and torture of civilians. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Malian army and Russia's Wagner mercenaries accused of civilian massacre, 13 killed, says source 

An attack this week on a town in a violent region bordering Burkina Faso and Niger by members of an Islamic State offshoot in Mali killed nearly 30 civilians, a coalition of pro-government militia reported on Friday (September 10).

The Gao region has been a hotspot for jihadist and militia violence, as per the coalition, also known as Platform, which said that several hundred militants attacked its fighters and forced them to flee on Tuesday, earlier this week.

The killing of women and children who had been starving for two days in the town was discovered when reinforcements sent by the platform arrived.

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It claimed the incident elicited no immediate claims of responsibility.

The platform, in an online statement, said that the militants killed three of its fighters and robbed stores, and burnt food supplies in addition to targeting the locals, Reuters reported.

Since 2012, when Islamists seized control of a Tuareg ethnic revolt in the north, Mali has experienced turmoil. The Islamists have expanded over the Sahl region of West Africa, displacing more than two million people from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, killing over a thousand people.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mali-over-130-civilians-killed-by-suspected-jihadists-490243">Also read |&nbsp;Mali: Over 130 civilians killed by suspected jihadists</a>

The month of March this year saw concern by the United Nations about the deteriorating security situation in central Mali. The peacekeeping forces in Mali reported the deaths of hundreds of its people in a wave of strikes by the Islamic State Group.

For months, conflicts between jihadist groups as well as jihadists and other armed groups have devasted several regions of Gao and Menaka.

(With inputs from agencies)

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An attack this week on a town in a violent region bordering Burkina Faso and Niger by members of an Islamic State offshoot in Mali killed nearly 30 civilians, a coalition of pro-government militia reported on Friday (September 10).

An attack this week on a town in a violent region bordering Burkina Faso and Niger by members of an Islamic State offshoot in Mali killed nearly 30 civilians, a coalition of pro-government militia reported on Friday (September 10). The Gao region has been a hotspot for jihadist and militia violence, as per the coalition, also known as Platform, which said that several hundred militants attacked its fighters and forced them to flee on Tuesday, earlier this week. The killing of women and children who had been starving for two days in the town was discovered when reinforcements sent by the platform arrived. Also read | Mali accuses France of arming Islamic terrorists seeking to destabilise nation It claimed the incident elicited no immediate claims of responsibility. The platform, in an online statement, said that the militants killed three of its fighters and robbed stores, and burnt food supplies in addition to targeting the locals, Reuters reported. Since 2012, when Islamists seized control of a Tuareg ethnic revolt in the north, Mali has experienced turmoil. The Islamists have expanded over the Sahl region of West Africa, displacing more than two million people from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, killing over a thousand people. Also read | Mali: Over 130 civilians killed by suspected jihadists The month of March this year saw concern by the United Nations about the deteriorating security situation in central Mali. The peacekeeping forces in Mali reported the deaths of hundreds of its people in a wave of strikes by the Islamic State Group. For months, conflicts between jihadist groups as well as jihadists and other armed groups have devasted several regions of Gao and Menaka. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Attack in Mali by Islamic State groups claims lives of nearly 30 people

An Al-Qaeda-affiliated group has now claimed responsibility for a terror attack that took place on a military base close to Bamako on Friday. The raid was carried out using two car bombs.

Al-Qaeda affiliate claims attack on key military base near Mali's capital

Leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Sunday lifted economic and financial sanctions imposed on Mali, after its military rulers agreed to return to civilian rule by March 2024.

West African bloc ECOWAS lifts economic and financial sanctions on Mali

In the latest mass killing in Africa's Sahel region, more than 130 civilians were killed over the weekend in central Mali towns. Jihadists are suspected to be behind these killings.

Local officials reported scenes of systematic killings by armed men in Diallassagou and two surrounding towns in the Bankass circle, a longtime hotbed of Sahelian violence.

"They have also been burning huts, houses, and stealing cattle -- it's really a free-for-all," said a local official who for security reasons spoke on condition of anonymity.

Another official who had fled his village said that the death toll was still being counted.

Nouhoum Togo, head of a party in Bankass, the main town in the area, said the toll was even higher than the 132 announced by the government, which has blamed Al-Qaeda-affiliated jihadists for the killings.&nbsp;

The national authorities broke their silence on Monday afternoon after alarming reports proliferated on social networks over the weekend.

Togo told AFP that army operations in the area two weeks ago had led to clashes with jihadists. On Friday, the jihadists returned on several dozen motorbikes to take revenge on the population, he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

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In the latest mass killing in Africa's Sahel region, more than 130 civilians were killed over the weekend in central Mali towns. Jihadists are suspected to be behind these killings.

In the latest mass killing in Africa's Sahel region, more than 130 civilians were killed over the weekend in central Mali towns. Jihadists are suspected to be behind these killings. Local officials reported scenes of systematic killings by armed men in Diallassagou and two surrounding towns in the Bankass circle, a longtime hotbed of Sahelian violence. "They have also been burning huts, houses, and stealing cattle -- it's really a free-for-all," said a local official who for security reasons spoke on condition of anonymity. Another official who had fled his village said that the death toll was still being counted. Nouhoum Togo, head of a party in Bankass, the main town in the area, said the toll was even higher than the 132 announced by the government, which has blamed Al-Qaeda-affiliated jihadists for the killings. The national authorities broke their silence on Monday afternoon after alarming reports proliferated on social networks over the weekend. Togo told AFP that army operations in the area two weeks ago had led to clashes with jihadists. On Friday, the jihadists returned on several dozen motorbikes to take revenge on the population, he added. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Mali: Over 130 civilians killed by suspected jihadists

French troops in Mali have captured a senior member of the Sahel affiliate of the Islamic State group, the French military said Wednesday.

The arrest comes as France prepares to complete its withdrawal from Mali after almost a decade battling a jihadist insurgency in the country with the French-led Barkhane anti-insurgency force.

"In the night of June 11-12, an operation of the Barkhane force allowed the capture of Oumeya Ould Albakaye, a senior figure in the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara&nbsp;(IS-GS)," a spokesman for the chief of staff told AFP.

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The operation, carried out near the border with Niger, took weeks of preparation involving air force and ground army units, the defence ministry in Paris said.&nbsp;

Albakaye will be held by French forces for questioning for several days and then handed to the Malian authorities, the military added.

A security source who asked not to be named told AFP that Albakaye had once been seen as a potential successor to former IS-GS leader Adnan Abu Walid al-Sahrawi, who was killed by French forces in August 2021.

An explosives expert, Albakaye was a regional chief in the group, commanding the areas of Gourma in Mali and Oudalan in neighbouring Burkina Faso.

He is responsible for a large number of abuses against civilians in those countries, the military said.

France is to complete its&nbsp;withdrawal from Mali within the next few months when its main military base at Gao will be returned to Malian forces.

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'Re-positioning'

On Wednesday the French defence ministry called the capture of Albakaye "another success for the Barkhane force, which is pursuing its fight against armed terrorist groups while re-positioning itself outside Mali".&nbsp;

Relations between Mali and France plummeted after the military seized power in Bamako in August 2020.

The junta has resisted setting an early date to restore civilian rule and tightened ties with Moscow, bringing in "military instructors" that France and its allies condemn as mercenaries hired from the pro-Kremlin Wagner group.

For most of the previous decade, France had been Mali's staunchest ally in its fight against jihadists who have claimed thousands of lives and driven hundreds of thousands from their homes.

France began its anti-jihadist operations in the Sahel in 2013, helping Mali, its former colony, to snuff out a revolt in the north.

But the jihadists regrouped to attack the volatile centre of the country, initiating a full insurgency that elected president Ibrahim Boubacar Keita was unable to break.

In August 2020, protests against Keita culminated in a coup by disgruntled colonels&nbsp;a move followed by a second military takeover in May 2021.

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Relations with France kept deteriorating, propelled by the junta's resistance to setting an early date to restore civilian rule and by Bamako's charges that France was inciting the region to take a hard line against it.

In January this year, the French ambassador to Bamako was expelled and the following month France announced the pullout of its troops from Mali, and those of the French-led Takuba force which comprises nearly 1,000 soldiers drawn mostly from EU countries.

An unknown is the impact of the turmoil on the United Nations' peacekeeping force in Mali (MINUSMA), which with 14,000 troops and police is one of the biggest UN operations in the world.

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French troops in Mali have captured a senior member of the Sahel affiliate of the Islamic State group, the French military said Wednesday. The arrest comes as France prepares to complete its withdrawal from Mali after almost a decade battling a jihadist insurgency in the country with the French-led Barkhane anti-insurgency force.

French troops in Mali have captured a senior member of the Sahel affiliate of the Islamic State group, the French military said Wednesday. The arrest comes as France prepares to complete its withdrawal from Mali after almost a decade battling a jihadist insurgency in the country with the French-led Barkhane anti-insurgency force. "In the night of June 11-12, an operation of the Barkhane force allowed the capture of Oumeya Ould Albakaye, a senior figure in the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (IS-GS)," a spokesman for the chief of staff told AFP. Also read | France's state forecast department anticipates heatwave to hit country early this year The operation, carried out near the border with Niger, took weeks of preparation involving air force and ground army units, the defence ministry in Paris said. Albakaye will be held by French forces for questioning for several days and then handed to the Malian authorities, the military added. A security source who asked not to be named told AFP that Albakaye had once been seen as a potential successor to former IS-GS leader Adnan Abu Walid al-Sahrawi, who was killed by French forces in August 2021. An explosives expert, Albakaye was a regional chief in the group, commanding the areas of Gourma in Mali and Oudalan in neighbouring Burkina Faso. He is responsible for a large number of abuses against civilians in those countries, the military said. France is to complete its withdrawal from Mali within the next few months when its main military base at Gao will be returned to Malian forces. Watch | French parliament elections set to begin: Polls predict Macron's coalition will win 260-300 seats 'Re-positioning' On Wednesday the French defence ministry called the capture of Albakaye "another success for the Barkhane force, which is pursuing its fight against armed terrorist groups while re-positioning itself outside Mali". Relations between Mali and France plummeted after the military seized power in Bamako in August 2020. The junta has resisted setting an early date to restore civilian rule and tightened ties with Moscow, bringing in "military instructors" that France and its allies condemn as mercenaries hired from the pro-Kremlin Wagner group. For most of the previous decade, France had been Mali's staunchest ally in its fight against jihadists who have claimed thousands of lives and driven hundreds of thousands from their homes. France began its anti-jihadist operations in the Sahel in 2013, helping Mali, its former colony, to snuff out a revolt in the north. But the jihadists regrouped to attack the volatile centre of the country, initiating a full insurgency that elected president Ibrahim Boubacar Keita was unable to break. In August 2020, protests against Keita culminated in a coup by disgruntled colonels a move followed by a second military takeover in May 2021. Also read | Australia-France reach 555 million euro settlement deal Relations with France kept deteriorating, propelled by the junta's resistance to setting an early date to restore civilian rule and by Bamako's charges that France was inciting the region to take a hard line against it. In January this year, the French ambassador to Bamako was expelled and the following month France announced the pullout of its troops from Mali, and those of the French-led Takuba force which comprises nearly 1,000 soldiers drawn mostly from EU countries. An unknown is the impact of the turmoil on the United Nations' peacekeeping force in Mali (MINUSMA), which with 14,000 troops and police is one of the biggest UN operations in the world. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

France claims capture of senior Islamic State figure in Mali

Mali's interim government on Monday said Western-backed military officers attempted a coup last week, without providing details or evidence.

Military rulers in Mali use public anger to stay in power

Russian mercenaries in Africa have been linked to civilian killings in Mali, raising new fears about the impact of Moscow’s intensifying interventions on the stability and security of countries across the continent.

Experts: Mali hired Wagner group for $10 million a month | Russian mercenaries in Mali

After Mali accused the French Army of spying using drones to film a military base, France alleged mercenaries were burying bodies in it as the junta said France did not have a "legal basis" for carrying out military operations in the country.

The country's foreign minister Abdoulaye Diop said it will be ending the 2014 defence cooperation agreement with France.

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"So, as of May 2, the agreement covering Barkhane and the agreement covering Takuba cease taking an effect with regard to Mali which means that as of this moment, there is no legal basis for France to operate on Malian soil," Diop said.

France had deployed fighter planes and drones Barkhane operation as allies fought the jihadists. However, relations between France and Bamako began to slide after a coup as officers seized power in 2020 while toppling&nbsp;Mali's President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita.

France had earlier decided to pull out troops from Mali including a special forces unit. France however said Mali's decision on ending the military cooperation agreement was&nbsp;"unjustified".

The junta had earlier accussed the French forces of "illegally" flying a drone over Gossi base as French forces handed it back to Mali.

France later claimed Russian mercenaries were covering bodies to accuse the French of war crimes as Mali's military ordered an inquiry into mass graves found at the Gossi base.

(With inputs from Agencies)

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After Mali accused the French Army of spying using drones to film a military base, France alleged mercenaries were burying bodies in it as the junta said France did not have a "legal basis" for carrying out military operations in the country.

After Mali accused the French Army of spying using drones to film a military base, France alleged mercenaries were burying bodies in it as the junta said France did not have a "legal basis" for carrying out military operations in the country. The country's foreign minister Abdoulaye Diop said it will be ending the 2014 defence cooperation agreement with France. Also Read | Russian gas supplies to China soar by 60% in 2022: Report "So, as of May 2, the agreement covering Barkhane and the agreement covering Takuba cease taking an effect with regard to Mali which means that as of this moment, there is no legal basis for France to operate on Malian soil," Diop said. France had deployed fighter planes and drones Barkhane operation as allies fought the jihadists. However, relations between France and Bamako began to slide after a coup as officers seized power in 2020 while toppling Mali's President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita. France had earlier decided to pull out troops from Mali including a special forces unit. France however said Mali's decision on ending the military cooperation agreement was "unjustified". The junta had earlier accussed the French forces of "illegally" flying a drone over Gossi base as French forces handed it back to Mali. France later claimed Russian mercenaries were covering bodies to accuse the French of war crimes as Mali's military ordered an inquiry into mass graves found at the Gossi base. (With inputs from Agencies) Watch WION LIVE Here Decode the geostrategy, diplomacy, and ideologies of the world’s unending wars. Catch our special series ‘World at War’ every Saturday at 8:30 PM IST and Sunday at 10:30 PM IST only on WION.

After drone spying row, Mali to exit defence pact with France

West Africa's Mali's ruling Junta announced on Monday that it was breaking off from its defense accords with former colonial rule of France. The junta condemned flagrant violations of its national sovereignty by the French troops in the country.

Mali orders end of defense accords with France

Mali's army said Friday that it had killed 203 combatants in an operation in the centre of Sahel state, an apparent uptick in violence in the conflict-torn country.

The army said the March 23-31&nbsp;military operation took place in Sahel's Moura area -- which it termed a "terrorist fiefdom".

Soldiers killed 203 militants, arrested 51 people and seized large quantities of weapons, according to the army's statement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-peacekeepers-deployed-to-northeastern-mali-amid-spate-of-killings-467447">UN peacekeepers deployed to northeastern Mali amid spate of killings</a>

The announcement comes as numerous social media reports in&nbsp;Mali&nbsp;this week alleged that dozens of people, including civilians, had been killed in Moura.&nbsp;

Reacting to the news on Saturday, the UN's peacekeeping mission in&nbsp;Mali, known as Minusma, stated that it was "very concerned about the allegations of violence against civilians".

AFP was unable to verify the army's claimed death toll or the social media reports about civilian deaths.

Poor access to&nbsp;Mali's conflict areas and a relative lack of independent information sources means that figures provided by either the government or armed groups are difficult to confirm.

An impoverished nation of around 21 million people,&nbsp;Mali&nbsp;has struggled to contain a jihadist insurgency that emerged in 2012, before spreading to neighbouring Burkina Faso and Niger.&nbsp;

Vast swathes of the country are are home to&nbsp;myriad rebel groups and militias, and thousands of soldiers and civilians have been killed in the conflict.

Mali's under-equipped army has also often been accused of committing abuses during the conflict.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-27-killed-33-wounded-in-militant-attack-in-central-mali-459152">At least 27 killed, 33 wounded in militant attack in central Mali</a>

According to a report seen by AFP, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres recently warned the UN Security Council that&nbsp;Mali's counter-terrorism efforts had "disastrous consequences for the civilian population".

In its statement Friday,&nbsp;Mali's army said it was guided by human rights and international law, and called for "restraint against defamatory speculations".&nbsp;

The country has seen an apparent uptick in violence in recent weeks. The UN said on Friday that thousands of people fleeing fighting in&nbsp;Mali&nbsp;have arrived in Niger.

A day earlier, the peacekeeping mission Minusma said that security had "deteriorated considerably" in the border area with Burkina Faso and Niger.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Mali asks France to expedite pulling out of troops from country

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Mali's army said Friday that it had killed 203 combatants in an operation in the centre of Sahel state, an apparent uptick in violence in the conflict-torn country.

Mali's army said Friday that it had killed 203 combatants in an operation in the centre of Sahel state, an apparent uptick in violence in the conflict-torn country. The army said the March 23-31 military operation took place in Sahel's Moura area -- which it termed a "terrorist fiefdom". Soldiers killed 203 militants, arrested 51 people and seized large quantities of weapons, according to the army's statement. Also read | UN peacekeepers deployed to northeastern Mali amid spate of killings The announcement comes as numerous social media reports in Mali this week alleged that dozens of people, including civilians, had been killed in Moura. Reacting to the news on Saturday, the UN's peacekeeping mission in Mali, known as Minusma, stated that it was "very concerned about the allegations of violence against civilians". AFP was unable to verify the army's claimed death toll or the social media reports about civilian deaths. Poor access to Mali's conflict areas and a relative lack of independent information sources means that figures provided by either the government or armed groups are difficult to confirm. An impoverished nation of around 21 million people, Mali has struggled to contain a jihadist insurgency that emerged in 2012, before spreading to neighbouring Burkina Faso and Niger. Vast swathes of the country are are home to myriad rebel groups and militias, and thousands of soldiers and civilians have been killed in the conflict. Mali's under-equipped army has also often been accused of committing abuses during the conflict. Also read | At least 27 killed, 33 wounded in militant attack in central Mali According to a report seen by AFP, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres recently warned the UN Security Council that Mali's counter-terrorism efforts had "disastrous consequences for the civilian population". In its statement Friday, Mali's army said it was guided by human rights and international law, and called for "restraint against defamatory speculations". The country has seen an apparent uptick in violence in recent weeks. The UN said on Friday that thousands of people fleeing fighting in Mali have arrived in Niger. A day earlier, the peacekeeping mission Minusma said that security had "deteriorated considerably" in the border area with Burkina Faso and Niger. Watch | Mali asks France to expedite pulling out of troops from country

Mali says 203 killed in military operation in centre

A military operation was held in Mali's Sahel amid the ongoing unrest. Army said at least 203 militants were killed in the operation.

Military operation held in Mali's Sahel, Army says at least 203 militants killed

The United Nations peacekeeping force in&nbsp;Mali&nbsp;has&nbsp;deployed&nbsp;two units to the African country's tri-border area with Burkina Faso and Niger to respond to a&nbsp;spate&nbsp;of civilian&nbsp;killings, it said on Thursday.

A surge in attacks since early March by an Islamic State affiliate has left hundreds of civilians dead, according to official and military sources. The region has long been a hotspot of jihadist and militia violence in West Africa.

"The security situation in the Tri-border area... particularly in the localities of Tessit, Talataye, Ansongo and the Menaka region, has deteriorated considerably in recent weeks," said the&nbsp;U.N. peacekeeping mission, MINUSMA.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-27-killed-33-wounded-in-militant-attack-in-central-mali-459152">At least 27 killed, 33 wounded in militant attack in central Mali</a>

MINUSMA&nbsp;deployed&nbsp;one unit to the area over a week ago and was in the process of deploying another on Thursday, it said, adding that the attacks have resulted in "dozens of deaths".

Civilians have been targeted during a cycle of reprisal attacks between ethnic Tuareg militia groups, including the Movement for the Salvation of Azawad (MSA), and the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS), according to MSA and local sources.

At least 500 civilians have been killed in the last three weeks in the regions of Gao and Menaka, said a military source, requesting anonymity because he was not authorised to speak.

A government official in Gao region said about 200 civilians were killed in the commune of Talataye between March 21 and 25, and thousands more displaced.

"We are expecting to be assassinated at any moment," he said, speaking on condition of anonymity for security reasons.

Mali's army conducted airstrikes in the Menaka region on March 13, which it said helped break the momentum of "terrorist groups". It has not given a death toll from the fighting.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mali-army-says-8-soldiers-killed-nearly-60-terrorists-neutralised-454750">&nbsp;Mali army says 8 soldiers killed, nearly 60 'terrorists neutralised'</a>

Mali&nbsp;has faced instability since 2012, when Islamists hijacked an ethnic Tuareg rebellion in the north. French troops intervened to push them out of the cities they occupied, but they have since regrouped and spread across the Sahel region.

Mali's army has also been accused of killing civilians. A coalition of Tuareg groups on Wednesday issued a list of 17 people it said were arrested and executed by soldiers last weekend in the town of Ansongo.

A spokesman for the army did not respond to calls from Reuters. The army said in a statement on March 29 that it was investigating allegations of human rights abuses in the area and reinforcing protection of civilians in Menaka and Gao.

The army has faced similar accusations by the United Nations and human rights groups, and has in some cases acknowledged that its forces were implicated in executions.

Watch |&nbsp;Mali asks France to expedite pulling out of troops from country

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The United Nations peacekeeping force in Mali has deployed two units to the African country's tri-border area with Burkina Faso and Niger to respond to a spate of civilian killings, it said on Thursday.

The United Nations peacekeeping force in Mali has deployed two units to the African country's tri-border area with Burkina Faso and Niger to respond to a spate of civilian killings, it said on Thursday. A surge in attacks since early March by an Islamic State affiliate has left hundreds of civilians dead, according to official and military sources. The region has long been a hotspot of jihadist and militia violence in West Africa. "The security situation in the Tri-border area... particularly in the localities of Tessit, Talataye, Ansongo and the Menaka region, has deteriorated considerably in recent weeks," said the U.N. peacekeeping mission, MINUSMA. Also read | At least 27 killed, 33 wounded in militant attack in central Mali MINUSMA deployed one unit to the area over a week ago and was in the process of deploying another on Thursday, it said, adding that the attacks have resulted in "dozens of deaths". Civilians have been targeted during a cycle of reprisal attacks between ethnic Tuareg militia groups, including the Movement for the Salvation of Azawad (MSA), and the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS), according to MSA and local sources. At least 500 civilians have been killed in the last three weeks in the regions of Gao and Menaka, said a military source, requesting anonymity because he was not authorised to speak. A government official in Gao region said about 200 civilians were killed in the commune of Talataye between March 21 and 25, and thousands more displaced. "We are expecting to be assassinated at any moment," he said, speaking on condition of anonymity for security reasons. Mali's army conducted airstrikes in the Menaka region on March 13, which it said helped break the momentum of "terrorist groups". It has not given a death toll from the fighting. Also read | Mali army says 8 soldiers killed, nearly 60 'terrorists neutralised' Mali has faced instability since 2012, when Islamists hijacked an ethnic Tuareg rebellion in the north. French troops intervened to push them out of the cities they occupied, but they have since regrouped and spread across the Sahel region. Mali's army has also been accused of killing civilians. A coalition of Tuareg groups on Wednesday issued a list of 17 people it said were arrested and executed by soldiers last weekend in the town of Ansongo. A spokesman for the army did not respond to calls from Reuters. The army said in a statement on March 29 that it was investigating allegations of human rights abuses in the area and reinforcing protection of civilians in Menaka and Gao. The army has faced similar accusations by the United Nations and human rights groups, and has in some cases acknowledged that its forces were implicated in executions. Watch | Mali asks France to expedite pulling out of troops from country

UN peacekeepers deployed to northeastern Mali amid spate of killings

Why has France been at war for a decade in the West African desert?

A militant attack on an army base in central Mali on Friday killed at least&nbsp;27&nbsp;soldiers and wounded 33 more, the government said.

Seven&nbsp;soldiers are still missing following the complex attack in the rural commune of Mondoro, which involved car bombs, according to a government statement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ahead-of-south-koreas-polls-kim-jong-led-north-holds-2022s-ninth-missile-test-459144">Ahead of South Korea’s polls, Kim Jong-led North holds 2022’s ninth missile test</a>

Seventy "terrorists" were killed in the military's response, the statement said, without specifying which militant group was responsible. Affiliates of both al Qaeda and Islamic State are active in central Mali.

Mali has been facing an Islamist insurgency since al Qaeda-linked militants seized its desert north in 2012, forcing former colonial power France to intervene to drive them back the following year.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cyber-armageddon-in-europe-thousands-go-offline-following-russia-ukraine-war-says-report-459113">‘Cyber Armageddon’ in Europe: Thousands go offline following Russia-Ukraine war, says report</a>

The militants have since regrouped and seized vast swaths of the Malian countryside, while also expanding into Niger, Burkina Faso and other neighbouring countries.

France has maintained thousands of troops across the region since 2013, but announced last month that it would withdraw its forces from Mali as relations with the ruling military junta soured.

A militant attack on an army base in central Mali on Friday killed at least 27 soldiers and wounded 33 more, the government said. Seven soldiers are still missing following the complex attack in the rural commune of Mondoro, which involved car bombs, according to a government statement.

A militant attack on an army base in central Mali on Friday killed at least 27 soldiers and wounded 33 more, the government said. Seven soldiers are still missing following the complex attack in the rural commune of Mondoro, which involved car bombs, according to a government statement. Also read | Ahead of South Korea’s polls, Kim Jong-led North holds 2022’s ninth missile test Seventy "terrorists" were killed in the military's response, the statement said, without specifying which militant group was responsible. Affiliates of both al Qaeda and Islamic State are active in central Mali. Mali has been facing an Islamist insurgency since al Qaeda-linked militants seized its desert north in 2012, forcing former colonial power France to intervene to drive them back the following year. Also read | ‘Cyber Armageddon’ in Europe: Thousands go offline following Russia-Ukraine war, says report The militants have since regrouped and seized vast swaths of the Malian countryside, while also expanding into Niger, Burkina Faso and other neighbouring countries. France has maintained thousands of troops across the region since 2013, but announced last month that it would withdraw its forces from Mali as relations with the ruling military junta soured.

At least 27 killed, 33 wounded in militant attack in central Mali

An air raid on a rebel base "neutralised" 57 "terrorists" in northern&nbsp;Mali&nbsp;where eight&nbsp;soldiers&nbsp;were also&nbsp;killed&nbsp;in fighting, the&nbsp;army&nbsp;said Saturday.

Friday's air force strike targeted a "terrorist base" and "violent clashes" led to the&nbsp;soldiers' deaths, a statement said.

The troops were targeted by "unidentified armed men" in the Archam region near the border with restive Burkina Faso and Niger, the statement said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-announces-mali-troop-pullout-after-decade-454037">France announces Mali troop pullout after decade</a>

About 40 civilians were&nbsp;killed&nbsp;this week in this zone where rival jihadist groups, including the so-called Islamic State, operate, locals told AFP.

The civilians were considered to be loyal to rival jihadist groups, according to the local sources.

Mali&nbsp;is at the epicentre of a Sahel-wide jihadist conflict, which has&nbsp;killed&nbsp;thousands of&nbsp;soldiers&nbsp;and civilians and displaced some two million people.

Watch |&nbsp;Mali asks France to expedite pulling out of troops from country

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/mali-asks-france-to-expedite-pulling-out-of-troops-from-country-454523/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Rival jihadist groups linked to al-Qaeda and Islamic State not only carry out regular attacks on national and foreign troops, but are also fighting each other for territory.

An air raid on a rebel base "neutralised" 57 "terrorists" in northern Mali where eight soldiers were also killed in fighting, the army said Saturday. Friday's air force strike targeted a "terrorist base" and "violent clashes" led to the soldiers' deaths, a statement said.

An air raid on a rebel base "neutralised" 57 "terrorists" in northern Mali where eight soldiers were also killed in fighting, the army said Saturday. Friday's air force strike targeted a "terrorist base" and "violent clashes" led to the soldiers' deaths, a statement said. The troops were targeted by "unidentified armed men" in the Archam region near the border with restive Burkina Faso and Niger, the statement said. Also read | France announces Mali troop pullout after decade About 40 civilians were killed this week in this zone where rival jihadist groups, including the so-called Islamic State, operate, locals told AFP. The civilians were considered to be loyal to rival jihadist groups, according to the local sources. Mali is at the epicentre of a Sahel-wide jihadist conflict, which has killed thousands of soldiers and civilians and displaced some two million people. Watch | Mali asks France to expedite pulling out of troops from country Rival jihadist groups linked to al-Qaeda and Islamic State not only carry out regular attacks on national and foreign troops, but are also fighting each other for territory.

Mali army says 8 soldiers killed, nearly 60 'terrorists neutralised'

France has decided to withdraw troops from Mali in a coordinated manner. French President Emmanuel Macron issued a warning over Russian mercenary groups. Mali has asked France to pull out its defence forces from the country.

Mali asks France to expedite pulling out of troops from country

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