Mali: Suspected militants kill 33 Malian soldiers in Gao region, March 15

Event

Suspected militants killed at least 33 soldiers and injured an additional 14 in an ambush on a Malian military convoy near Tessit in the Gao region March 15. According to preliminary information, more than 100 assailants using pickup trucks and motorcycles were involved in the attack, with some reports suggesting that the militants had prior knowledge of the army unit's movements. According to official sources within Mali's armed forces, at least 20 attackers were also killed during the exchange of fire.

Context

The deadly raid underscores the pervasive insecurity and threat of militancy across much of Mali, including the Gao region. Efforts by local and foreign militaries to reduce the spread of militant violence has largely failed. In fact, 2020 has been named the deadliest year on record for security forces.