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At least 10 civilians were killed in central Mali after military drone strikes hit a community preparing for a traditional mass wedding, according to local and security sources.
The attack happened in the Tene area of San region, deepening concerns over the worsening security crisis facing the West African country.
A resident of the community said what should have been a day of celebration turned into grief after the strikes claimed the lives of young villagers.
“10 of our children” were killed, the resident told AFP.
“What was supposed to be a moment of joy in the village turned into immense sorrow.”
A security source confirmed the incident, explaining that villagers had gathered for the second edition of a traditional collective wedding ceremony when the drones struck.
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“The tragedy occurred as the villagers were preparing the second edition of this traditional collective wedding, a major cultural event for this community,” the source said.
According to the source, the military drones targeted “a procession of motorbikes following one another”, adding, “That is certainly what drew the attention of the drones.”
A local official also confirmed the death toll, saying the community had been thrown into mourning.
“A wedding was about to take place when the drones killed at least 10 civilians. It is truly a time of mourning,” the official said.
The latest incident comes as Mali battles renewed violence involving Al-Qaeda-linked jihadists and Tuareg separatists. The country’s ruling junta has faced mounting pressure since coordinated attacks in late April targeted key military positions and killed the defence minister.
Northern territories, including Kidal, have reportedly fallen under the control of separatist and jihadist forces, worsening instability in a country that has struggled with armed conflict, insurgency and extremist violence since 2012.
