Mali observes 3-day mourning after deadly attack

ANKARA

Mali on Thursday begun a three-day national mourning to pay tributes to the victims of Monday's terrorist attack that left 25 soldiers dead, local media reported.

"The national flag will fly at half-staff in all public services, semi-public, private institutions and garrisons," throughout the national territory, according to a communique released after a Council of Ministers meeting on late Wednesday.

At least 25 Malian soldiers were killed and 60 others were missing after a suspected al-Qaeda-linked attack targeted two army camps in Mondoro and Boulkessi, Mopti region of Mali near the border with Burkina Faso.

Following the attack, the army launched a joint operation with forces from neighboring Burkina Faso, which was backed up by French troops stationed in the region.

The Malian armed forces announced on Thursday that they have taken control of the camp of Boulkessi, following an intervention of the air force.

The army also thanked Burkina Faso’s military "whose support has allowed a quick and effective response."

Tensions erupted in Mali in 2012 following a failed coup and a Tuareg rebellion that ultimately allowed al-Qaeda-linked militant groups to take over 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.

Since 2015, these attacks have spread to central and southern Mali and to neighboring West African countries, particularly Burkina Faso and Niger.