AfriqueCAN
An attack in the Malian capital, Bamako, targeting a military police training camp and airport left more than 70 people dead and 200 wounded, security sources said Thursday, one of the highest tolls suffered in recent years.
The attacks Tuesday in Bamako were the first of their kind in years and dealt a forceful blow to the ruling junta, experts said.
The death toll has put scrutiny on the junta’s military strategy and its claims that the security situation is under control despite militants roaming the region for years.
The operation claimed by the al-Qaida-linked Group to Support Islam and Muslims (JNIM) has prompted widespread shock and condemnation within the West African country.
Many Malians have taken to social media to demand accountability for what they consider a security lapse.
Higher reported tolls
A security source, speaking on condition of anonymity, told AFP that 77 people had been killed and 255 wounded in Tuesday’s attacks.
An authenticated confidential official document put the toll at around 100 and identified 81 victims.
The general staff acknowledged late Tuesday that “some human lives were lost,” notably personnel at the military police center.
Mali’s military-led authorities have so far given no indication of any future measures in response to the attacks, which were not mentioned in the minutes of Wednesday’s cabinet meeting.