Tuareg separatists attack convoy of Russian mercenaries and Malian troops in Mali
Tuareg separatists and their jihadist allies attacked a convoy of Russian mercenaries and Malian soldiers on Thursday as they headed to the besieged town of Anefis. The attack is part of a coordinated offensive that began on Saturday, with separatists claiming control of Anefis.
Attack on the Convoy
On Thursday morning, Tuareg separatists from the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) and their jihadist allies from the Al-Qaeda-linked JNIM group attacked a convoy of Russian mercenaries and Malian soldiers. The convoy was en route to the northern town of Anefis, where a military camp remains under siege. The attack occurred near Tabankort, and heavy fighting was ongoing.
Coordinated Offensive
The FLA and JNIM launched coordinated attacks across northern Mali on Saturday and have claimed control of Anefis. Anefis is strategically important for maintaining control over Kidal, a town about 100 kilometers away that is a Tuareg stronghold. Kidal was recaptured by separatists in a major offensive over two months ago.
Second Ambush
This is the second attack on a reinforcement convoy in a week. The first convoy, from the city of Gao, was ambushed last Sunday. FLA spokesperson Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadane said that Thursday's convoy is composed of 90% Russian mercenaries and Malian soldiers. A Malian security source confirmed that fighting continues after the convoy fell into another ambush. The convoy includes "dozens of vehicles with air cover," the source said. The FLA released a video showing heavy gunfire in a desert area.
Russia's Role
Russia's Africa Corps paramilitaries are assisting the military governments of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—now part of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES)—in fighting jihadist groups that have killed tens of thousands of people. Moscow is also seeking closer ties with AES countries in the energy and mining sectors.
