Madar (Bamako) - More than 40 civilians were killed on Sunday, October 18, 2026, in attacks by armed men on motorbikes on several camps in the Menaka region of north-eastern Mali, forcing residents to flee to the town, security, local and community sources told AFP on Monday.
The attacks targeted camps mainly belonging to the Daoussahak community, from which the Movement for the Salvation of Azawad (MSA), an armed group close to the junta in Bamako, originates. The community's executive bureau said at least 48 civilians were killed in the locality of Tagadayat, blamed the Islamic State group and appealed for urgent humanitarian aid for the displaced.
A security source in Gao said the killings came "in reprisal for recent military operations in the area and attacks by the MSA", with "about forty dead, mostly men". Another security source said gunmen stormed several camps 50 km from Menaka and killed 50 civilians, and a local elected official confirmed the heavy toll.
The Menaka residence of MSA leader Moussa Ag Acharatoumane, a member of the National Transitional Council, was also targeted, without casualties, the same sources said.
The Malian army said it had carried out operations on Saturday in the same area, 65 km south-west of Menaka, striking what it called "a major base" of "terrorist" elements and war and logistics equipment.
