Catastrophic Attack Claims 26 Lives in Mali's Conflict Zone

In Mali's central region, near the Burkina Faso border, an armed group attacked the village of Dembo, resulting in at least 26 deaths. The assailants targeted villagers working in farmlands. The incident adds to the escalating violence as the military junta struggles to control the situation.

At least 26 people were killed after an armed group attacked a village in Mali's central region, near the border with Burkina Faso, a government official said Monday. This marks the latest violent onslaught in the conflict-stricken area.

The incident occurred Sunday evening in Dembo village, where assailants targeted villagers working in their farmlands, according to Moulaye Guindo, the mayor of Bankass town.

These attacks are becoming increasingly frequent in central Mali as the nation's military junta grapples with violence in the northern region, too.

Though no group has claimed responsibility, blame swiftly fell on JNIM, an extremist group linked to al-Qaida. Similar attacks from the group have been noted, including a deadly July wedding ceremony assault.

The violence in central and northern Mali has persisted for over a decade. Despite French intervention that once pushed extremists from northern cities, the rebels have regrouped, targeting remote areas and security forces alike.

A 2015 peace agreement with ethnic Tuareg rebels in the north has also unraveled, exacerbating the security dilemma further.

(With inputs from agencies.)