**Title: Human Rights Watch Accuses Russian Paramilitaries of Civilian Deaths in Mali Air Strike**
**Date: July 31, 2026**
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has released a report alleging that Russian government-controlled paramilitaries, known as Africa Corps, were responsible for the deaths of eight civilians, including three children, during an air strike in central Mali. The incident reportedly occurred on June 15 in the village of Kyrnia, located in the Mopti region.
The HRW report, published on Friday, details that the air strike involved a Sukhoi Su-24 aircraft, which dropped at least two munitions on the village. One of the strikes hit near the residence of the village chief, resulting in the deaths of his wife, two children, and several others. A second strike targeted a small cattle market, leading to four additional fatalities and injuries to two other individuals.
At the time of the air strike, the report indicates that approximately 100 fighters from the al-Qaeda-affiliated group Jamaat Nusrat al Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM) were present in Kyrnia, which has been under JNIM control for six years. However, HRW noted that no JNIM positions were struck during the attack, raising concerns about the legality of the air strikes. The report emphasized that targeting civilians and individuals associated with JNIM, including the village chief whose sons are reportedly fighters for the group, constitutes unlawful indiscriminate action.
Ilaria Allegrozzi, a Sahel researcher for HRW, called on the Malian junta to conduct an impartial investigation into the air strikes and other potential war crimes, warning that failure to do so could implicate the government in these abuses. Allegrozzi stated, "The junta has to impartially investigate all possible war crimes committed on their territory, including the airstrikes in Kyrnia, or be held complicit in abuses."
Since 2021, Russian paramilitaries, initially from the Wagner Group and later the Kremlin-affiliated Africa Corps, have been engaged in military operations alongside Malian forces against various armed groups linked to al-Qaeda and ISIS. This partnership has come under scrutiny due to increasing reports of violence against civilians.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on June 23, Africa Corps claimed to have conducted an airstrike targeting a "gathering place of terrorists," asserting that "several field commanders were eliminated." Accompanying drone footage purportedly captured the moment of the explosions in Kyrnia.
HRW conducted a thorough investigation, which included remote interviews with 19 individuals, such as witnesses, Malian military sources, and local journalists. The organization also analyzed satellite imagery and geolocated videos released by Africa Corps.
The ongoing violence in Mali and neighboring countries, including Burkina Faso and Niger, has resulted in significant civilian casualties over the past decade. The United Nations reported at least 2,260 civilian deaths between January and March of this year alone. In response to the escalating violence and perceived failures of international support, these countries have expelled French forces, who initially provided assistance, and have increasingly turned to Russia for military support.
The situation in Mali remains precarious, with the military-led government facing challenges in regaining control over territories lost to armed groups. The allegations made by HRW add to the growing concerns regarding the conduct of foreign military forces operating in the region and their impact on civilian populations.