Local sources have reported a provisional toll of 49 civilians and 15 soldiers killed in these ruthless assaults. However, it remains unclear how many individuals perished in each of these attacks.
The first attack occurred around 1100 GMT when armed assailants targeted an army position at Bamba, located in the northern Gao region. The loss of 15 soldiers underscores the gravity of this security breach in the area.
Simultaneously, the passenger boat, known as the Timbuktu boat, became a target on the Niger River. According to the army's statement, this brazen attack took place during its routine operations.
Meanwhile, the boat's operator, Comanav, has revealed that the vessel was following a well-established route between cities along the river when it fell under attack. Eyewitnesses reported at least three rockets striking the boat.
The attacks are the latest in a series of violence in Mali, which has been struggling to contain an insurgency by armed groups.
The violence has displaced hundreds of thousands of people and caused a humanitarian crisis. (ILKHA)