The recent military drone strike that killed civilians in Mali is a reprehensible and tragic event that underscores the dire consequences of unchecked military actions.

Development Diaries reports that at least 13 civilians, including seven children between the ages of two and 17, were killed and over a dozen others were injured in two nighttime drone strikes carried out by the Malian army on 17 March in Amasrakad.

The victims include six siblings and their mother, according to findings by Amnesty International.

The Malian army released a statement stating that the strikes were successful in ‘neutralising many terrorists and some of their vehicles’, but according to the seven survivors and witnesses Amnesty International said they spoke with, this assertion is false.

The loss of innocent lives, including those of women, children, and non-combatant men, is a violation of human rights and international humanitarian law.

The Malian governments and military forces must exercise the utmost caution and adhere strictly to the rules of engagement to prevent civilian casualties during military operations.

The Malian military, like all armed forces, must prioritise the protection of civilians and take all necessary measures to avoid harm to non-combatants.

The government must uphold its obligations under international law, which mandates that all parties to an armed conflict distinguish between civilians and combatants and abstain from attacking people intentionally or randomly.

It is expected that accountability and transparency will be deployed in addressing this incident.

Development Diaries calls on the Mali government to ensure that thorough investigations are conducted to determine the circumstances leading to the drone strikes and hold responsible parties accountable for their actions

Photo source: Souleymane ag Anara/Amnesty International