The interim Government in Mali says no less than 49 civilians have been killed in an attack executed by Islamist militants in north-eastern Mali and has declared three days of national mourning.
The militants also attacked an army camp, killing 15 soldiers, while around 50 militants are said to have died.
The northern city of Timbuktu has been under blockade since the end of last month and there have been several other recent attacks on transport.
Observers suggest that though the Junta in Mali and other African countries have premised their action on repositioning the fight against militants, little progress have been made.
The Islamist threat has been growing in Mali despite claims by the military that Russian Wagner Group mercenaries are turning the tide of their campaign.
