At least 32 people have been killed in a suspected jihadist attack on a convoy escorted by Malian soldiers and Russian Wagner mercenaries in northern Mali.
The attack happened on Friday, February 7, 2025, between the cities of Gao and Ansongo. Initially, the death toll was reported as 10 but later rose to 32 as more bodies were found.
“We have more than 30 bodies from the scene,” said a hospital source in Gao.
According to a local official who spoke anonymously, “The jihadists ambushed a civilian convoy escorted by Malian soldiers and Wagner mercenaries. There are civilians and soldiers among the dead.”
Many of the injured were taken to Gao, the main city in northern Mali, for treatment. A source from a transport union said, “According to a transporter who managed to escape, jihadists ambushed the convoy’s escort and opened fire on everyone at random to cause the largest number of victims.”
The convoy included 22 minibuses with civilian passengers, six large buses, and eight lorries. The official added, “The Malian soldiers and Wagner mercenaries were in about 10 vehicles protecting the convoy.” At least five lorries were destroyed during the attack.
The victims were mostly foreigners traveling to a gold mine in Intahaka, a key gold mining region in northern Mali. Mali is one of Africa’s top gold producers, but its production has declined recently due to security issues.
The Malian army has not officially commented on the attack, but a military source claimed, “We control the situation on the ground between Ansongo and Gao.”
No group has claimed responsibility, but attacks in this region are often linked to the Islamic State (IS) or other jihadist groups. Mali has faced continuous security problems since 2012 due to violence from jihadist groups and criminal gangs.
In January, the Malian army announced the arrest of a top IS leader, Abou Hach, during an operation in the Gao region.
Mali’s security situation has worsened following a series of coups since 2012. The country’s military rulers have cut ties with France, their former colonial power, and strengthened relations with Russia for political and military support.
