More than 50 civilians killed in terrorist attack in Mali

MOSCOW, August 9. The number of victims of a series of terrorist attacks in northern Mali has exceeded 50, according to the Journal du Mali, citing local authorities. Three villages in the Gao region on the border with Niger were attacked on Monday night. Ansongo County Prefecture reported 51 killed and several injured. In addition, the attackers stole livestock from the villages, looted and set fire to houses. Malian army units were dispatched to restore security in the affected areas. Mali in the Sahel region of Africa is one of the most problematic countries on the continent due to terrorist activities and illegal migration. In 2014, France launched the Barkhan anti-terrorist operation in the region. This mission is supported by the regional structure of the Sahel Five (G5), which includes Burkina Faso, Mauritania, Mali, Niger and Chad. In Mali, almost 40 people died in road traffic accident