At least dozens of people have been killed after a series of renewed attacks by armed groups in central Mali, according to local officials and security sources.

The assaults reportedly took place across several villages over recent days, with communities already affected by earlier violence also targeted. Authorities say the attacks have pushed the death toll from the latest incidents to between 70 and 80 people.

Security sources linked the violence to the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims, a militant group affiliated with Al-Qaeda that has been active in the region for years. The group is said to have carried out repeated strikes in rural areas.

Local leaders described the situation as deeply alarming, saying residents are increasingly vulnerable as attacks continue with little resistance on the ground. Some officials also suggested that remote communities are being singled out for refusing agreements with armed factions.