Mali Rebels Ambush Convoy Carrying Russian Fighters and Government Troops – Novinite.com

A military convoy transporting Malian troops and members of Russia’s paramilitary Africa Corps came under attack in northern Mali on Thursday, with Tuareg-led separatist fighters claiming responsibility for the assault.

The incident comes amid escalating clashes between Mali’s armed forces, Russian-backed units and rebel groups following a major operation in April by Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM), an Al Qaeda-linked organization, together with the Tuareg-led Azawad Liberation Front (FLA).

That operation marked a significant escalation, killing Mali’s former defense minister and targeting key facilities in the capital, Bamako, including the airport.

The convoy was reportedly moving toward the northern town of Anefis, where fighting has continued, when it was attacked.

A security source cited by Reuters said the group included more than 200 Russian fighters and over 100 Malian soldiers. AFP, citing a Malian security source, reported that a convoy made up of “dozens of vehicles with air cover” had been hit in what was described as another ambush.

Both Reuters and AFP cited Tuareg rebel sources claiming responsibility for the attack.

FLA spokesman Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadane said the group had engaged the convoy near Tabankort in northern Mali.

“Our troops engaged in combat this Thursday near Tabankort (northern Mali) against the reinforcement force, which is composed 90% of Russian mercenaries and Malian soldiers,” Ramadane told AFP.

The Azawad Liberation Front has claimed that it captured Anefis, a strategically important location linked to control of the northern city of Kidal, which the FLA and JNIM seized during their April offensive.

However, AFP reported that Russian paramilitary forces and Malian troops continued to hold a military camp in Anefis.

The latest attack follows coordinated strikes carried out on Saturday by JNIM and the FLA against another military convoy and several military positions across Mali.

Mali has faced a long-running insurgency since 2012, with militant groups and separatist movements continuing to operate across large parts of the country.

Two military coups in 2020 and 2021 brought new leadership to power, which strengthened security ties with Russia and relied on the Africa Corps for support.

Despite the increased presence of Russian-backed forces, violence and instability have continued, with rebel groups maintaining pressure on the Malian military in several regions.