Russia will continue to assist Mali in combating terrorism, including support for enhancing the combat efficiency of its armed forces. This was stated in a Russian Foreign Ministry statement issued on Tuesday in connection with a terrorist attack in that country.
"Moscow strongly condemns another barbaric action by terrorist forces in the friendly Republic of Mali. We express our sincere condolences to the families and friends of the victims and wish a speedy recovery to the injured. We support the intention of Mali's leaders to take all necessary measures to ensure their safety and to apprehend and bring to justice those responsible for the crimes," stressed the diplomatic mission.
Moscow expressed solidarity with the struggle of the Malian people against the terrorist threat. "Russia will continue to steadfastly support collective efforts aimed at fighting terrorism in the Sahara-Sahel zone, provide practical assistance to the states of the region, including Mali, in improving the combat efficiency of the armed forces, training of military and law enforcement officers," the Russian Foreign Ministry pointed out.
The terrorist attack was carried out in the region of Mopti, the southern part of which borders on Burkina Faso, and the western part on Mauritania. The attack killed more than 30 people, including women and children. The Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin group is active in Mopti. It was established in the spring of 2017 and has close ties with al-Qaeda (banned in the Russian Federation).
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Creative Commons
Based on materials from TASS