Turkey condemns terrorist attack in Mali

By Jeyhun Aliyev

ANKARA (AA) - Turkey on Monday condemned Sunday’s deadly terrorist attack in central Mali, a West Africa country.

"We are saddened by the terrorist attack against the security forces in the central Mopti region of Mali, claiming many lives and leaving several people injured," Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

At least 21 Malian soldiers were killed when militants stormed an army camp in the Dioura town of Mopti region early Sunday, local media reported.

"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," the statement added.

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.