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Reference News reported on August 26According to AFP on August 25, according to information from multiple sources, at least 15 civilians were killed in a drone attack in northern Mali on the 25th.

The separatists claimed: "The Malian military junta's forces and Russian mercenaries from the Wagner Group launched several drone attacks... from Burkina Faso to hit Tinzaouatene." The separatists reported that according to a provisional count, 21 civilians were killed, including 11 children, dozens were injured, and "material damage was huge."

Their spokesperson added in a statement: "These attacks initially targeted a pharmacy and were followed by other attacks targeting people in the vicinity of the initial damaged location."

A local elected official told AFP at least 15 civilians were killed. "Only civilians were killed," he added.

According to a local NGO official, "At least 20 civilians, including children, were killed by drone strikes on Sunday."

A local retired civil servant also claimed that at least 20 people died.

Also in Tinzaouatene, separatists and jihadists claimed to have killed dozens of Wagner group members and Malian soldiers during fighting from July 25 to 27, the report said.

The Malian army and the Wagner Group acknowledged heavy losses but did not give exact figures.

Reports said this was one of the worst defeats the Wagner Group had ever suffered in a single combat engagement in Africa.

In the following days, the Malian army responded with drone strikes in Tinzaouatene that have killed several civilians, mainly foreign gold miners.

The Malian army said that the "air strike" was "coordinated with the Burkina Faso armed forces", "in line with the principle of solidarity among the member states of the (Sahel Alliance)" and "implemented in accordance with the collective defense and mutual assistance mechanism." (Compiled by Zhao Kexin)