Mali jihadist attacks kill 70

At least 70 people have been killed in a series of coordinated jihadist attacks across central Mali, according to local and security sources.

The Al-Qaeda-linked group JNIM has claimed responsibility for the assaults, which targeted several villages known for resisting militant influence.

The violence comes as Russian forces reportedly retreat from key northern towns, creating a security vacuum that insurgent groups are rapidly filling.

Pope Francis has condemned the fresh wave of violence in the Sahel, calling for an end to the bloodshed affecting civilian populations.