At least seven people were killed on Sunday in an attack in central Mali, according to the local diocese and a civil society organization, as reported by AFP.
The “terrorist attack” in the village of Segue claimed the lives of a cleric’s relative and six others, the Mopti region diocese stated. The attack also caused “significant property damage,” according to a statement signed by diocesan secretary and priest Daniel Camille Togo.
A civil society group reported the assault extended to both Segue and Sonfounou villages.
“The death toll from this attack has risen to nine, with seven killed in Segue and two in Sonfounou,” the Patriotic Movement for the Unity and Safeguarding of the Bankass Cercle said. The group also reported extensive destruction, including the torching of the clinic, pharmacy, ambulance, and the mayor of Segue’s private car, along with the theft of multiple motorbikes.
AFP was unable to independently confirm the casualties or damages with Malian authorities or other sources.
Mali has been grappling with a deepening crisis since 2012, marked by political instability, an economic downturn, and ongoing violence from Al-Qaeda and Islamic State-linked groups. The country is also facing a separatist insurgency in its volatile northern regions.