A human rights group reported that an airstrike by the Malian army targeted a market in the Timbuktu region, resulting in the deaths of 18 people and the injury of 7 others, while the army confirmed it was targeting terrorists.

The “Movement for the Defense of the Rights of the Azawadian People” stated that the strike hit a market north of Léré, an area experiencing increased activity from armed groups in northern Mali.

For its part, the Malian army announced it carried out airstrikes against terrorist activities in the same region, confirming the death of at least 11 militants.