Militants Kill Dozens in Central Mali Attacks

At least 70 people have been killed in a new wave of militant attacks in central Mali, according to local and security sources, as violence continues to escalate across the country.

The attacks were carried out by armed extremists linked to Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), which claimed responsibility for assaults launched on Friday following earlier deadly raids in the same region earlier this week.

Local officials reported that at least 30 people were killed in attacks on several villages on Wednesday before the latest violence pushed the death toll significantly higher.

One local official estimated the number of victims had surpassed 70, while another source placed the toll closer to 80 dead.

Security officials described the situation in the affected areas as deeply concerning amid fears of further instability and renewed militant offensives.

Mali has faced worsening security conditions following coordinated attacks on 25 and 26 April by JNIM and the Azawad Liberation Front targeting positions linked to the country’s ruling military authorities.

The latest attacks highlight the growing threat posed by extremist and insurgent groups operating across the Sahel region, where armed violence has continued to intensify despite ongoing military operations.