Turkey condemns village attack in Mali

By Faruk Zorlu

ANKARA (AA) - Turkey has condemned the death of some 115 people Saturday in a "heinous" attack in the West Africa nation of Mali.

"We are saddened by the attack perpetrated against a village near the town of Bankass in the Mopti region of Mali, claiming many lives and leaving several people injured," the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement Sunday.

A total of 115 people, including children and pregnant women, were killed when militants stormed the village of Egossagou in central Mali.

"We condemn this heinous attack and convey our condolences to the brotherly people and Government of Mali. We wish Allah’s mercy upon those who lost their lives and a speedy recovery to the wounded," the statement said.

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 implementation of the peace agreement.