Terrorists have killed 51 innocent civilians in the African country of Mali

The house was vandalized and the animals were taken away

Terrorists identified as jihadis fired in three cities

Bamako: At least 51 people have been killed in an attack by militants calling themselves jihadists in central Mali, near the Niger border. In central Mali, militants attacked three areas, killing at least 51 people, according to an official.

The cities of Otagona, Karo and Deuteguef were attacked simultaneously around 6 p.m., according to a letter sent to the governor of the Gao region by the Asongo District Officer.

The letter said that houses were vandalized, land was set on fire and a herd of cattle was taken away by the militants. The attack killed at least 51 innocent people and injured many more.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack. Mali, French and European forces and UN troops have been battling Islamic State and al-Qaeda-linked militants in the region.

Mali's army spokesman Colonel Solomon Dembele confirmed the attack but declined to give further details. The militants were deployed at the entrances of the cities and were firing indiscriminately on civilians.