Mali: at least 50 soldiers killed in Dioura attack
The assault on September 10 against the military camp in Dioura is among the deadliest attacks recently suffered by Malian forces. Local and security sources also report that five Russian members of the Africa Corps were killed.
At least 50 Malian soldiers were killed on Thursday, September 10, during an attack on the military camp in Dioura, located in the Mopti region, according to a toll gathered from security and local sources and published on Monday, September 14. Five Russian members of the Africa Corps also lost their lives, according to the same sources.
The Malian Armed Forces confirmed that armed groups targeted the Dioura area on September 10. The Support Group for Islam and Muslims, affiliated with Al-Qaeda, claimed responsibility for the assault and stated that it had taken control of the camp.
The toll of at least 50 Malian military personnel has not been publicly confirmed by the military staff. Sources interviewed by AFP mention higher tolls, ranging from 60 to 80 soldiers killed, as well as several dozen military personnel taken prisoner.
Following the attack, the army announced it had launched an aerial and ground response. It claimed to have neutralized several dozen assailants and destroyed motorcycles and several vehicles, without providing a toll on its own losses.
Dioura is located in central Mali, where clashes between government forces and armed groups have intensified. In mid-July, at least 50 other Malian soldiers were killed in an ambush on a convoy leaving Anéfis towards Gao.
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