APA – Bamako (Mali) Timbuktu has been under a blockade imposed by terrorists for over a month.
At around 5pm on Thursday 21 September, the town of Timbuktu was rocked by several loud explosions from mortar shells. The mortar shells targeted areas popular with civilians. These included the regional hospital, the popular pharmacy and a famous market. According to a provisional report by the Malian army, at least two people were killed and five wounded, all civilians.
However, other sources have indicated that the toll may be higher. At least four civilians were killed, including a man, a woman and two children. At least 22 civilians were also injured, including four children and a pregnant woman.
As a result, the town’s airport has been closed and all flights cancelled. This situation comes at a time when Timbuktu has been facing a blockade imposed by terrorists since 8 August. Nothing goes in or out of the town any more. Even planes rarely fly in or out, as the airport has been the target of numerous mortar shell attacks.
It has also been noted that children are increasingly the main victims of this upsurge in violence in Timbuktu. The first attack in the town on 26 August claimed the life of at least one child, while others were injured, some seriously. The same was true of the attack on the civilian boat Timbuktu on the River Niger on 7 September 2023, which left at least 64 people dead and many more injured.
According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), at least 24 children died in the attack on the boat and nine others are in hospital receiving treatment. The UN agency is urging all parties to the conflict to prevent and put an end to serious violations against children.
MD/te/fss/abj/APA