Security analyst Brant Philip reported that militant groups seized multiple Malian soldiers during synchronized attacks across the country this past Saturday. Alongside the ground combat, unconfirmed reports emerged suggesting a Russian Africa Corps Su-24 fighter jet was struck by anti-aircraft fire near Anefis and subsequently crashed in the vicinity of Gao.
Witnesses observed thick plumes of smoke emanating from the Gao Air Base. The Russian Africa Corps is currently conducting collaborative military operations with the Malian government to defend against assaults by the Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM) and the Front de Libération de l’Azawad (FLA). Locations targeted by these insurgents include Gao, Anefis, Aguelhok, Sevaré, and Kenioroba.
Reports indicate that the FLA has taken several Malian service members as captives in Anefis. As of now, neither Malian nor Russian officials have provided an official statement, and the claim regarding the downing of the aircraft remains unverified.
