Islamic State militants slaughter up to 70 civilians in Mali, burning some alive, in apparent revenge attacks

The killings followed claims that the pro-government militia MSA and Russia's Africa Corps killed about a dozen suspected informants in eastern Mali last week. Fighters from Islamic State Sahel Province then struck at least five localities in the Menaka region on Sunday. Some victims were shot and others died in torched homes. Provisional death tolls range from 48 to more than 70.

Hundreds of civilians fled to Menaka town while militants stole their livestock.

A Menaka official said the militia 'set fire to houses' and stole property.

Islamic State has not claimed responsibility, and Mali's army and Russia's embassy did not respond.