ISLAMISTS KILL 48 PEOPLE

BAMAKO, OCTOBER 20 /SRNA/ – Militants linked to the Islamic State have killed at least 48 people in Mali in retaliation for an attack by pro-government forces on suspected informants, local sources told Reuters.

The weekend violence in the eastern Menaka region comes amid intensified fighting between the regional Islamic State group and Al-Qaeda affiliates, further worsening insecurity in the Sahel region of West Africa.

Islamic State militants carried out attacks at at least five locations in Menaka, while the total death toll is still being established, the sources said.

During the attacks, the Islamists set fire to houses stole livestock, forcing hundreds of civilians to flee to the town of Menaka.

Unconfirmed reports put the death toll at as many as 70 people.

Sources said some civilians died in fires, while others were shot.

No one has claimed responsibility for the attacks.

A spokesperson for the Malian army did not respond to a request for comment.