Insurgents killed 25 civilians and injured 13 others in an ambush of a military-escorted convoy near Mali's northeastern city of Gao on Friday, the army said late on Saturday.

The attack took place near Gao, Mali’s largest city in the northeast region where armed rebels often stage attacks on the ruling military junta. A spokesperson for the military declined to comment on

According to RFI, the Malian military and Wagner mercenaries were attacked by jihadists while escorting a column of gold miners. As a result of the shootout, more than 30 people, including military and civilians, were killed, and several army vehicles were destroyed.

Jihadists are suspected of leading a massacre in northern Mali. The attackers operated with the intent of causing maximum casualties, according to witnesses. The latest reports indicate more than 50 victims of this attack.