A suicide attack on a military camp in Gao, Mali, yesterday morning, January 18th 2017, killed up to 60 people and wounded more than 100.
State media gave a death toll of 60, with 115 wounded.
The area attacked housed government soldiers and armed groups who work together under a UN-brokered peace deal which aims to reduce violence in the region.
The suicide bomber manged to drive through security checkpoints into the camp before detonating explosives.
The attack was claimed by al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, who stated that the bombing was a punishment for groups cooperating with France. The bombing was carried out by their close ally al Mourabitoun.
In 2016, almost 180 were killed or injured in IED attacks in Mali. Wednesday’s attack killed and injured only slightly less in just one incident.
Of those killed or injured by IEDs, 96% were armed actors such as soldiers, police and members of armed groups.
AOAV records casualties (i.e. people killed and injured) from explosive violence around the world as reported in English-language news sources.
AOAV calls on states to urgently address the threat of suicide bombings and other forms of IED attacks. Reports by AOAV show the increasing threat of suicide bombings around the world. There is an urgent need for preventative measures to be implemented by States and the international community.
For more on counter-IED initiatives, please see here.
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