Nine civilians killed as Russian-linked forces raid central Mali village
At least nine civilians, including four children, were killed during a military operation in Bombori village in central Mali, according to a new report by Human Rights Watch. The rights group said Russian-linked Africa Corps fighters, accompanied by Malian soldiers, also detained and assaulted dozens of residents and destroyed homes during the July 10 operation.
The incident reportedly began early in the morning when more than 100 fighters entered the village in vehicles and on motorcycles while searching for suspected members or supporters of the al-Qaeda-linked Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims. Residents said civilians were forced from their homes and a large group of men and boys were held and questioned over alleged connections with the armed group. Several civilians were reportedly shot while attempting to escape, while others were taken away and later found dead.
According to residents interviewed by the rights organisation, the victims included five men aged between 19 and 34 and four children aged six to 17. At least eight homes and several grain stores belonging to Fulani families were also reportedly burned, while valuables and other belongings were taken. The operation primarily targeted the village’s Fulani neighbourhood, despite residents saying Islamist fighters had left the area before the security forces arrived.
Human Rights Watch has called for an impartial investigation into the killings and other alleged abuses, stressing that civilians remain protected under international humanitarian law regardless of the presence of armed groups in their communities. The organisation also said both Malian authorities and their Russian security partners could face accountability for violations committed during counterinsurgency operations.
