Human Rights Watch probes Mali airstrike deaths
The report covered airstrikes carried out by the Russian African Force in central Mali against civilians in the village of Kérnia, resulting in the death of eight people, including three children, and injuring others. The investigation confirms that the presence of fighters from the "Support of Islam and Muslims" group in the area does not justify the illegal targeting of civilians. It clarified that the strikes occurred in a region controlled by the group for years, and eyewitnesses confirmed that the fighters were located in different areas from the targeted sites. The human rights organization emphasized the need for independent verification of military operations and assurance that forces adhere to international humanitarian law, especially given the civilian casualties and the lack of clear military targets. This comes amid increasing international criticism of the military operations conducted by Malian forces and their allies, particularly due to the growing Russian presence and increased influence following the decline of Western forces, raising concerns about potential violations and the absence of official responses from Malian and Moscow authorities.
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