By ZAGAZOLA MAKAMA

A drone strike reportedly launched by the Malian Armed Forces (FAMA) has killed more than twenty civilians, including women and children, during a wedding ceremony in the locality of Beydi, between Gossi and Inabaw, in the Timbuktu region.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that that the incident occurred on Thursday when a drone targeted the site of the ceremony, turning what was supposed to be a moment of joy into a tragedy.

Residents described the aftermath as horrific, with mutilated bodies, burned children, and grieving relatives crying in distress amidst the rubble.

The drone came without warning and dropped explosives directly on the wedding gathering. We lost many people men, women, and children.

Sources confirmed that at least 20 civilians were confirmed dead, while several others sustained serious injuries and were rushed to nearby medical facilities.

The Malian authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the incident. However, independent civil society organizations have condemned the strike, describing it as one of the deadliest targeting errors since the junta took power in 2021.

The attack reignited growing concerns about the military’s increasing reliance on aerial strikes in civilian-populated areas amid its ongoing campaign against armed jihadist groups in the north.

The incident comes amid widespread criticism of the junta for alleged human rights abuses and clandestine dealings with jihadist factions linked to Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM).

Northern Mali has remained a flashpoint of violence since 2012 when insurgent and separatist groups seized large swathes of territory. Despite successive military operations, instability persists, with both jihadist and government forces accused of atrocities against civilians.

In recent months, the junta, supported by Russian Wagner Group mercenaries, has intensified drone operations in the Timbuktu and Gao regions, leading to growing fears among locals of indiscriminate attacks.

The Beydi strike risks deepening mistrust between communities and the armed forces, potentially fuelling recruitment for extremist groups. (Zagazola, but headline rejigged)