Several Malian soldiers were reportedly captured during coordinated attacks on military positions across parts of Mali, according to security analyst Brant Philip.
Philip, in a series of posts on his 𝕏 account, said the attacks targeted military installations in Aguelhok, Gao, Sévaré, Anefis and Kenioroba.
According to him, the offensive was allegedly carried out by the Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM) in collaboration with the Front de Libération de l’Azawad (FLA).
The security analyst further claimed that there were unverified reports indicating that a Russian Africa Corps Su-24 fighter jet crashed near Gao after it was allegedly struck by anti-aircraft fire close to Anefis.
“Unverified reports that an Su-24 jet of the Russian Africa Corps crashed in Gao after getting hit by anti-aircraft fire near Anefis,” Philip wrote.
He also alleged that heavy smoke was seen rising from the Gao Air Base following the reported incident.
“Heavy smoke rising from the Gao Air Base currently,” he added.
As of the time of filing this report, the alleged aircraft crash had not been independently verified, while neither the Russian authorities nor the Government of Mali had issued an official statement confirming the incident.
Philip further claimed that personnel of the Russian Africa Corps were actively engaged alongside the Malian Armed Forces in efforts to repel the coordinated offensive.
“The Africa Corps reports to be engaged in combat alongside the Malian army to repel the JNIM/FLA offensive against their positions in Gao, Anefis and Aguelhok,” he stated.
He also alleged that additional Malian soldiers were captured by the Front de Libération de l’Azawad during the fighting in Anefis.
The reported attacks underscore the continuing security challenges facing Mali, where government forces and allied foreign military personnel have been battling armed insurgent groups operating across the country’s northern and central regions.
AIV NEWS will continue to monitor the situation and provide verified updates as official information becomes available.
