The Malian army launched a counterattack after being ambushed by fighters from Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin and the Azawad Liberation Front.
The Malian army launched a counterattack following an ambush by fighters from Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) and the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) in the Gao region. The military statement confirmed that the convoy was struck while traveling from Anefis to Gao, resulting in significant human and material losses. While the army did not specify the exact number of casualties, the FLA released footage showing dozens of prisoners and soldiers surrendering during the engagement. The military also noted that its partners, likely Russian paramilitaries, were affected by the fighting. Mali has faced a security crisis for over 14 years as the FLA seeks to establish an independent state in the north and JNIM expands its control over rural territory. The ongoing conflict has created a humanitarian crisis, leaving more than five million people in need of assistance. The army recently retook the strategic town of Anefis, which had been seized by the two rebel groups just days prior.