In the village of Goundam, Timbuktu region, unknown persons attacked the location of the Malian government forces. According to preliminary data, the attack was carried out with the help of drones. Some sources report that a drone was used, which dropped several improvised explosive devices (IEDs) on the object, and then flew away. According to another version, the attack was carried out with the use of five kamikaze drones.

At the time of the incident, not only Malian troops were present at the scene, but also fighters from the private military company Wagner.

Responsibility for the attack, according to a statement published on social networks, could have been claimed by the group "Strategic Basis for the Defense of the People of Azawad" (recognized as terrorist and banned in Russia - editor's note). The official representative of the organization stated that "this is just a message and we think that the enemy has confirmed its receipt. We promise you a merciless war." This statement may indicate the group's intentions to continue active military operations against the government forces of Mali.

The situation in the region remains tense. Timbuktu and its surrounding areas have long been the site of intense fighting between government forces, supported by external partners such as the Wagner PMC, and various armed groups operating in Mali. The region faces the threat of extremist groups, as well as Tuareg separatist movements that continue to fight for autonomy or independence for the northern regions of the country.