Islamist Militants Kill 64 in Attacks on Military Base and Passenger Boat in Mali

Two attacks by Islamist militants in Mali targeted a military base and a passenger boat, killing 49 civilians and 15 soldiers.
The al-Qaeda linked insurgent group JNIM claimed responsibility for the attacks near Timbuktu and Bamba.
In response, Malian forces reported killing around 50 militants.
Mali faces growing violence from Islamic extremist groups as the UN prepares to withdraw its peacekeeping mission.
The attacks come amid a weak central government and stalled implementation of a 2015 peace agreement in Mali.