Passenger bus hits roadside bomb in central Mali, 6 dead

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A passenger bus struck a roadside bomb in central Mali, killing at least six people and wounding many others, authorities said on Friday.

The explosion took place on Thursday in the village of Songo, 12 kilometres (7 miles) from Bandiagara, said local official Bachirou Tall.

“There were many people seriously injured who were taken to Sevare's hospital, in Mopti region, and for the moment we don't have information on their condition," Tall told The Associated Press.

The attack has not been claimed but bears the hallmark of al-Qaida-linked extremist groups who are known for placing mines on roads to target Malian army vehicles and UN peacekeepers.

In December 2021, an attack by gunmen identifying themselves as jihadists on a public transportation bus killed at least 30 people, most of whom burned to death in the bus.

Bandiagara was once a tourist hub for Western travellers coming to hike through Mali's Dogon country.

Daily Pioneer
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