A violent ambush targeting a Malian army convoy near the northern town of Anefis has resulted in the deaths of over 50 soldiers. The incident occurred on Saturday as troops retreated from the area, according to official reports released on Sunday.
Both the Tuareg separatist FLA and the Al-Qaeda-linked Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM) have officially claimed responsibility. A local representative noted that at least 24 soldiers were taken prisoner, describing the event as the most severe blow to the national military in recent memory. Some sources indicated that certain captives were killed after being captured.
While the Malian military is currently investigating potential strategic lapses that left the convoy vulnerable, they confirmed that the unit had been caught in a planned assault. Reports clarify that Russian mercenaries from the Africa Corps, who have been assisting the junta, were already at their destination in Gao and remained unharmed. The current military leadership in Mali, which took power following coups in 2020 and 2021, continues to face significant challenges in stabilizing the nation against persistent insurgent activity.
