UN initiates probe in 'horrific' attack of central Mali

The United Nations has initiated a probe in Saturday's "horrific attack" in central Mali's Mopti region in which at least 150 people were killed, reports Al Jazeera.

Reportedly, the attack on the Fulani community was carried out by the Dogon ethnic group. According to the UNICEF, nearly one-third of the victims were children.

"The horrific attack marked a "significant" surge in "violence across communal lines and by so-called 'self-defence groups' apparently attempting to root out violent extremist groups", said Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the UN rights office.

The UN team has sent a team of 10 human rights officers, including a child protection officer and two crime scene investigators to the Mopti region.

The Muslim community, Fulani, have been accused by Dogon community of aiding the jihadists.