BAMAKO, June 19, (APP/AFP) – An Al-Qaeda-linked
jihadist alliance claimed responsibility Monday for an attack on a tourist resort near Mali’s capital that left five people dead, including members of a European Union mission to the country.
The Group to Support Islam and Muslims, a fusion of jihadist groups
with previous Al-Qaeda links, said in a statement three of its “martyrs” had killed Westerners in Sunday’s assault on the Kangaba Le Campement resort.
The group, also known as Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimeen in
Arabic, said the attackers were from the Fula ethnic group and battled for “many hours” at the popular eco-lodge near Bamako, which it termed a site of “debauchery”.
Their statement was quickly picked up by extremist monitor SITE and
two Mauritanian news agencies known for reporting on the region’s jihadist activity, after being posted on the group’s Telegram channel.
Three foreigners, a Malian civilian and a Malian soldier were killed
in the latest high-profile assault in north and west Africa targeting locals and tourists, including in neighbouring Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast.
International News
Al-Qaeda-linked jihadists claim responsibility for Mali resort attack
