Malian and Russian forces kill at least 12 in Timbuktu region

Malian Armed Forces (FAMA) and the Russian Africa Corps are facing scrutiny once again amid reports that at least 12 people were killed in the northern Timbuktu region, according to RFI and agencies on June 12th.

Local sources, including the CD-DPA, indicated that at least 12 people were killed in the village of Echelle, in Timbuktu’s Tonka region, on June 11th; a weekly market was taking place.

According to Tilla Ag Zeini, secretary general of the CD-DPA, “The incursion began with the encirclement of the market.”

FAMA and Russian forces then “executed several market vendors before looting the stalls.” No fighting was reported; some sources reported up to 15 victims, while the CD-DPA confirmed 12 deaths.

Two vehicles and several motorbikes were seized by FAMA, while others were burned on the spot.

The al-Qaeda-affiliated JNIM are particularly active in the Timbuktu region, where they have conducted targeted assassinations.

JNIM is also behind the fuel blockade Mali has experienced since September 2025; the group announced a renewed blockade on Bamako on April 28th.

Since June 3rd, Malian authorities have enforced a motorcycle ban outside of major cities, like Bamako, citing security concerns.

FAMA has not commented on the June 11th operation, although the General Staff claimed to have “neutralised about ten terrorists” during airstrikes in the Ségou region’s Beledega on June 10th.

Russian and Malian forces have increased operations in northern and central Mali since coordinated attacks by JNIM and the Tuareg-led Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) on April 25th.

Kidal, a Tuareg stronghold, was recaptured by the FLA on April 25th; the FLA claims to be holding over 200 FAMA soldiers captive in the northern town.

The CD-DPA has also accused FAMA and Russian auxiliaries of utilising cluster bombs in northern Mali between May 15th and 17th.

Cluster bombs are prohibited under the 2010 Oslo Accords, which Mali ratified, due to the threat they pose to civilians.

Under the guise of protecting national security, Mali’s junta has increasingly relied on Russian mercenaries to maintain stability amid jihadist insurgencies and attacks by Tuareg separatists since seizing power in 2021.

In April, three civil society organisations filed a lawsuit against the Wagner Group, which now operates under the Russian Africa Corps, over allegations of human rights abuses, including massacres of civilians.

FAMA and Russian mercenaries have been implicated in executions and sexual violence, along with destruction of civilian infrastructure.

Maghrebi contacted the Malian Prime Minister’s Office for comment on the June 11th operation, but has not received a response at the time of publication.

RFI and agencies, Maghrebi.org