An attack attributed to Al-Qaeda-linked jihadists in central Mali has resulted in the deaths of at least 15 soldiers, according to three local officials who spoke to AFP on Friday.
The ambush, carried out by jihadists from the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims, took place on Thursday in the central Mopti region, which has been a focal point of violence since 2015.
In addition to the fatalities, several soldiers are reported missing, and others were wounded.
The provisional toll includes 14 members of the national guard and one gendarme.
The attackers also seized military equipment during the assault, which occurred near the village of Diallassagou, approximately five kilometers away.
A Malian military source in Mopti suggested that the jihadists suffered higher casualties, though the exact number was not disclosed.
All sources requested anonymity due to security concerns.
