In a detailed report, Human Rights Watch revealed that a combat aircraft, identified by two Malian military sources as a Sukhoi Su-24, dropped at least two bombs in Kyrnia. The first strike landed near the village chief’s residence, killing his wife, two of his children, and another child. The second bomb hit a nearby livestock market, resulting in the deaths of four men. HRW’s investigation suggests the strikes lacked clear military targets and may constitute indiscriminate attacks.

Africa Corps claims strike targeted armed groups

Africa Corps, a Russian paramilitary unit operating under the Russian Ministry of Defence and allied with Malian forces, shared aerial footage of the June 15 strike on social media. The group asserted it targeted a gathering point of « terrorist groups » in the Mopti region. HRW confirmed the footage’s location matches Kyrnia. However, the organisation noted no members of the Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM), an Al-Qaeda affiliate reportedly controlling the village for years, were killed in the attack.

Residents interviewed by HRW stated three of the village chief’s sons are affiliated with JNIM but were away during the strike. They also mentioned armed fighters were present in the village, primarily gathered in a mosque that remained untouched. HRW has urged Malian authorities to launch an investigation and hold those responsible accountable. The organisation highlighted that joint operations by Malian forces and their Russian allies have frequently been linked to human rights violations.

Data from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data (ACLED) project indicates 918 civilians were killed in 2025 during operations attributed to the Malian army and its Russian partners. Meanwhile, the United Nations and Amnesty International have previously called for investigations into potential war crimes linked to both JNIM and the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA).