Key facts
- Russian paramilitary group Africa Corps killed eight civilians, including three children, in Mali on June 15.
- Human Rights Watch stated the air strikes were "unlawfully indiscriminate."
Human Rights Watch reported that Russian-controlled Africa Corps aircraft killed eight civilians, including three children, in an airstrike on Kyrnia village in central Mali on June 15. The group called the attack "unlawfully indiscriminate."
The report highlights potential war crimes committed by Russian-linked forces in Mali, raising concerns about civilian protection and accountability in the ongoing conflict.
Human Rights Watch stated that Russian government-controlled Africa Corps aircraft killed eight civilians, including three children, in an airstrike on Kyrnia village in central Mali on June 15. The rights group described the attack as "unlawfully indiscriminate."
According to HRW's investigation, an aircraft identified as a Russian Sukhoi Su-24 dropped two munitions on the village in the Mopti region. One strike hit near the home of the village chief, killing his wife and three children, while the second struck a nearby cattle market, killing four men. No fighters from the militant group JNIM, which has controlled the village for six years, were reported among the casualties.
Africa Corps posted aerial footage of the strike, claiming it targeted a "terrorist" gathering. However, HRW researchers noted that while approximately 100 JNIM fighters were in the village, they were mostly gathered elsewhere, and the strikes did not appear to target a clear military objective. Residents told HRW that JNIM fighters were primarily at the mosque, which was not struck.
Mali has been battling militants affiliated with al-Qaida and the Islamic State group for over a decade. The country's military-led government has distanced itself from former allies like France and partnered with Russia, with Africa Corps largely replacing the Wagner Group. Both Malian forces and their Russian allies have faced accusations of rights abuses.
Human Rights Watch called on Mali's government to investigate the strike and hold those responsible accountable, warning that the government could otherwise be complicit in war crimes.