Published 11:56 IST, November 3rd 2019
Islamic State claims responsibility for Mali attack: Yaya Sangare
ISIS has claimed responsibility for the deadliest attacks against Malian forces which killed at least 53 soldiers and a civilian in Indelimane, Menaka.
At least 53 soldiers and a civilian have been reportedly killed in one of the deadliest attacks against Malian forces which took place in Indelimane, in the Menaka region in close proximity near the border of Niger, according to the communication minister Yaya Sangare. According to an international media agency, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL or ISIS) group has claimed the responsibility for the attacks. The terror group reportedly attacked a military post in northeast Mali, as per Yaya Sangare.
Government of Malimn blames the terrorist attacks
He said that the situation has been taking into control and a search operation for identification of bodies has been initiated. According to Sangare, ten survivors were found at the outpost who suffered mild injuries and were unable to give any further details. There was no immediate claim of responsibility. According to the security forces, the attack involved at least three suicide bombers who detonated explosives inside the military camp. The minister added that the death toll could rise. The government of Mali has earlier blamed the terrorist attacks saying it had left several dead and wounded without giving any specific numbers.
A statement has been released by the government which said extra military forces have been sent to secure the area and capture the attackers.
Attacks near the border with Burkina Faso
This attack comes a month after two attacks that resulted in the loss of lives of 40 soldiers near the border with Burkina Faso. Mali's army is bearing the brunt of regular violence that spurs from the arid north to its center.The northern region of Mali came under the control of al-Qaeda linked fighters after Mali's army failed to quash a rebellion there in 2012. A military campaign led by France was launched against the fighters to push them back. But the armed groups have regrouped and widened their attacks.
Updated 13:21 IST, November 3rd 2019