At least 25 civilians were killed and 13 others injured in a suspected terrorist attack in northern Mali, the Malian Armed Forces confirmed on Saturday.

According to an official statement, a "terrorist group consisting of multiple armed individuals" ambushed a convoy escorting civilians near the city of Gao on Friday. The attack primarily targeted foreign miners traveling to a gold mine in the region.

Three civilian vehicles were struck during the assault, resulting in heavy casualties. Security forces responding to the attack discovered the bodies of 19 armed militants and managed to capture four others.

No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack, but northern Mali has long been a hotspot for extremist violence linked to terrorist organizations operating in the Sahel region.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident as security forces continue operations to secure the area. (ILKHA)