Turkey condemns Mali terror attack

By Sena Guler

ANKARA (AA) - Turkey condemned the terror attack in Mali that claimed several lives and injured others Thursday.

“We are saddened by the terrorist attack which took place near the city Koro in Mali causing loss of lives and injury of many people,” the Foreign Ministry said.

“We condemn this heinous attack and offer our condolences to the brotherly people and Government of Mali and wish Allah’s mercy upon those who lost their lives and speedy recovery to the wounded,” it added.

Seventeen people were killed and 15 others injured when an explosive-planted corpse was detonated by terrorists in the Mopti region.

Tensions erupted in Mali in 2012 following a failed coup and a Touareg rebellion that ultimately allowed al-Qaeda-linked militant groups to take control of the northern half of the country. In 2015, a peace deal was signed between the government and some insurgent groups.

Political and community disputes continue to fuel tensions in northern Mali, thus undermining the implementation of the peace agreement.