Human Rights Watch reports that a Russia-linked Sukhoi Su-24 dropped two munitions on Kyrnia village in Mali's Mopti region on June 15, killing eight civilians, including three children. One strike hit near the village chief's home and the other struck a cattle market. HRW investigators interviewed 19 witnesses, reviewed satellite imagery and an Africa Corps video and concluded the strikes did not appear to target a clear military objective. The group has urged Mali to investigate and hold those responsible to account.
Human Rights Watch: Russia-Linked Airstrike Killed Eight Civilians in Central Mali
FILE - In this Tuesday, April 12, 2016 photo provided by the U.S. Navy, two Russian Sukhoi Su-24 attack aircraft fly near USS Donald Cook in the Baltic Sea. (U.S. Navy via AP, file)
Human Rights Watch says aircraft operated by the Russia-linked Africa Corps struck Kyrnia village in Mali's Mopti region on June 15, killing eight civilians, including three children.
What Happened
According to Human Rights Watch (HRW), a jet identified as a Russian Sukhoi Su-24 released two munitions over Kyrnia. One blast struck near the home of the village chief, killing his wife and three children. The second hit a nearby cattle market, killing four men. HRW reported no fighters from Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) among the dead.
Evidence and Investigation
HRW said its researchers interviewed 19 witnesses, analyzed satellite imagery and reviewed a video Africa Corps posted online in which the group described the strike as targeting a "terrorist" gathering. Investigators estimated roughly 100 JNIM fighters were present in the village area at the time but were mostly assembled elsewhere, and concluded the strikes did not appear aimed at a clear military objective.
HRW Urges Action: The rights group called on Mali's government to open an independent investigation and hold those responsible to account, warning that failure to investigate could render the government complicit in war crimes.
Broader Context
Mali has endured more than a decade of violence involving al-Qaida- and Islamic State–linked militants, including JNIM, as well as intermittent Tuareg separatist unrest in the north. Violence intensified after an April alliance of JNIM and Tuareg fighters carried out the largest coordinated attacks in over a decade, striking Bamako's airport, the garrison town of Kati and several other towns.
The military-led government has increasingly relied on Russian forces after distancing itself from longtime partners such as France. Russian mercenaries have been present since late 2021, and last year Africa Corps — which reports to Russia's Defense Ministry — replaced the private Wagner Group in Mali.
News agencies including The Associated Press reported they could not independently verify HRW's findings. Russia's Defense Ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
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