The two separate attacks targeted “the Timbuktu boat” on the Niger River and “the army position” in Bamba in the Gao (North) region, killing “49 civilians and 15 soldiers,” according to a government statement. It is not stated how many people died on the ship and in the base. The army’s response succeeded in neutralizing “around fifty terrorists,” according to the press release, adding that the attack on the boat also caused “injuries and property damage.”
The two attacks were “claimed” by the Support Group for Islam and Muslims (GSIM or Jnim according to the Arabic acronym), a jihadist alliance linked to Al-Qaeda, on the Al-Zallaqa propaganda platform.
The Malian shipping company’s boat (Comanav, public) was attacked in the Gourma-Rharous sector between Timbuktu and Gao, the Malian army had previously made clear on social networks. It was the target of “at least three rockets fired against the engine,” Comanav told AFP, who is using some ships to establish an important connection over several hundred kilometers from Koulikoro near Bamako to Gao, which passes through the major cities on the river.
The Timbuktu, which can carry around 300 passengers, was affected, Comanav agents added on condition of anonymity, without commenting on the number of people actually on board.
This attack came a few weeks after the GSIM announced in early August that it would impose a blockade on Timbuktu, coinciding with ongoing security moves around the World Heritage City of 333 Saints.
The UN mission (Minusma), forced out of Mali by the junta in power since 2020, has just handed over two camps near Timbuktu, Ber and Goundam, to the Malian authorities. This seizure of power by the Malian state led to fighting with jihadists, but also clashes with former Tuareg rebels.
The Malian authorities have ordered three days of national mourning starting this Friday.
(AFP)