Mali Conflict Escalates as Banned Cluster Bombs Reportedly Used

The Malian army and its Russian allies have used cluster bombs for the first time in the country’s north, where jihadist groups, separatist movements, and the army have been fighting for more than a decade.

The bombs were dropped during anti-terror operations in northern Mali, according to local sources, security specialists, and a rights group that documented the attacks. The first strike happened at Oubder, near In-Gouzma, in the Timbuktu region. The second happened at Tadjmart, near Aguelhoc, in the Kidal region.

Rights groups and separatist factions, including the Azawad Liberation Front, have condemned the attacks, saying they are collecting unexploded remnants as evidence. They warned of severe risks to civilians, especially children and herders, due to the long-lasting danger posed by unexploded ordnance.