
More than 30 people were killed in two attacks on Wednesday in the localities of Korikori and Gomossogou in central Mali. The attacks were claimed by the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims JNIM, which stated it targeted pro-government militias. A local youth official reported at least 35 deaths, while security and administrative sources confirmed over 30 fatalities. Wamaps, a collective of West African journalists specializing in Sahel security issues, provided a provisional toll of over 50 villagers killed, with others still missing. Wamaps also reported that villages were looted and some properties were burned during the attacks. The Malian army announced on Thursday that it conducted a targeted operation against armed terrorist groups in the area, neutralizing about ten terrorists. These killings follow coordinated attacks on April 25 and 26 by JNIM, allied with Al-Qaeda, and the Azawad Liberation Front FLA rebellion, which is predominantly Tuareg. These earlier attacks targeted strategic junta positions in several localities, including the capital Bamako. Several towns and localities in the North are now under the control of jihadists and their FLA allies. Defense Minister Sadio Camara, a key figure in the junta, was killed in a suicide attack in Kati, a military regime stronghold near Bamako, during these attacks, which resulted in at least 23 deaths, according to a hospital source. Mali has faced a severe security crisis since 2012, fueled by violence from jihad
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Must ReadApproximately 1,500 ships and 20,000 crew members are currently stranded in the Gulf, a situation attributed to Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. This information was shared by Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization IMO, a UN agency responsible for maritime safety. Dominguez stated that these innocent individuals are caught in geopolitical situations beyond their control. He also reported that 10 sailors have died in about thirty attacks on vessels, a figure previously mentioned by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Iran has maintained its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global hydrocarbon trade, since the war began on February 28. The conflict has resulted in thousands of deaths, primarily in Iran and Lebanon, and has impacted the global economy. Meanwhile, Washington has continued its blockade of Iranian ports, initiated on April 13, five days after a ceasefire came into effect. Dominguez called for a humanitarian corridor to evacuate sailors once passage through the strait is safe and free from dangers like potential mines or attacks. He also urged shipowners to avoid sending vessels into the Gulf to prevent further casualties and economic losses. Following the IMO's statements, the Iranian military command accused the US army of violating the ceasefire by attacking ships near the Strait of Hormuz, according to a statement broadcast by state television.

A diplomatic luncheon was held at the French Ambassador's Residence in Dakar, attended by Christine Fages, members of the Senegalese Football Federation's Executive Committee, and former Senegalese international players from the 2002 World Cup. The gathering reflected on the historic 2002 World Cup match where Senegal, in their debut, defeated France. Discussions also touched upon the anticipated reunion of the two nations at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States on June 16. Beyond sports and remembrance, the meeting highlighted the objectives of the Africa Forward summit, focusing on youth, investment, and international cooperation. Participants emphasized the strategic role of sport as a catalyst for economic development, education, and international influence for African countries.

Strasbourg has been eliminated from the Conference League semi-finals after losing to Rayo Vallecano. The French club suffered a 1-0 defeat in the second leg at home in Alsace, following an identical 1-0 loss in the first leg in Madrid. Rayo Vallecano's Brazilian player Alemao scored the decisive goal shortly before halftime in the second leg. Rayo Vallecano will now face Crystal Palace, who eliminated Shakhtar Donetsk, in the final.

Ismaïla Sarr continues his strong performance in the Conference League for Crystal Palace F.C., scoring against FC Shakhtar Donetsk. The Senegalese winger entered the match at the start of the second half and netted a crucial goal, bringing his total to nine goals in the competition. This goal helped Crystal Palace secure a 2-1 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk.