At least eight people tragically perished, and 42 sustained injuries, when a civilian passenger bus encountered an explosive device on the road connecting Bamako to Kayes in Mali’s western region. Transport sector authorities reported the devastating outcome. The incident unfolded on Monday along a critical transportation corridor known for its exposure to armed violence. The public transport vehicle struck the mine while navigating this strategic route, which links the Malian capital to the nation’s western territories.

Mamadou Kassambara, the communications officer for the national drivers’ union, verified the human toll on Tuesday, confirming that those affected were civilian passengers aboard the coach. Meanwhile, Africa Corps, a Russian paramilitary contingent active in Mali, released a statement via social media presenting a different casualty count: five fatalities and over ten injured. This group attributed responsibility for the ambush to the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (GSIM), a faction aligned with Al-Qaïda.

This particular segment of Malian territory consistently faces armed assaults and improvised explosive device attacks. In April, the GSIM notably executed several coordinated operations alongside a predominantly Tuareg rebel movement.