Islamist terrorists assaulted a river boat in north-eastern Mali, killing at least 49 civilians, according to the interim administration.
They also allegedly stormed an army barracks, killing 15 soldiers and injuring over 50 militants.
Three days of national mourning have been declared by the administration.
Despite military assertions that Russian Wagner Group mercenaries are reversing the course of their campaign, the Islamist threat has grown.
Timbuktu, in northern Mali, has been blocked since the end of last month, and there have been several other recent attacks on transportation.
Militants allegedly attacked the boat as it traveled down the Niger River from Gao to Mopti. The river serves as a vital transportation route in a region with few good roads and no trains.
Militants also attacked an army camp in the Gao region’s Bourem Circle.
The Malian army announced on social media that the boat was attacked by “armed terrorist groups” about 1100 GMT.
According to the boat operator, Comanav, the vessel was attacked by at least three rockets aimed at its engines.
According to a Comanav employee who spoke on the condition of anonymity, the vessel was immobilized on the river and the army was called in to remove passengers.
Mali has been ruled by a military junta since 2020.
When the junta seized power following enormous protests against then-President Ibrahim Boubacar Keta, there was widespread popular support. People were enraged by economic uncertainty, a contentious election, and chronic insecurity.
Data show that Mali’s military administration has made little progress in its struggle against Islamists who control sections of the country since then.
Mali’s military officials have ordered the withdrawal of French troops and UN peacekeepers, and have welcomed Russian contractors to take their place.
In 2012, an insurgency with ties to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State took root in northern Mali. Since then, Islamist terrorists have gained strength across the Sahel area, particularly in Burkina Faso and Niger.
