Mali's army, Russian mercenaries accused of killing dozens of civilians

BAMAKO, Mali — Mali's army and Russian mercenaries killed dozens of civilians during a military operation last month in northern Mali, civil organization and community members alleged Friday, amid a surge in violence after the ruling junta broke off a peace agreement with rebel groups. The killings took place from June 20 to 29 in Abeibara in the Kidal region, the civil society groups and residents said. The Malian military says it has no knowledge of the alleged killings, but says military operations are taking place throughout the country.