In northern Mali, Tuareg rebels and the JNIM jihadist group, which is linked to Al-Qaeda, attacked a convoy carrying mercenaries from Russia’s Africa Corps and Malian troops. AFP and Reuters reported this.
According to Reuters, the strike targeted a convoy escorting more than 200 Russian fighters and over 100 Malian soldiers. The column was heading toward the northern town of Anefis.
The agencies said that in that town, which is held by rebels, a group of Russian mercenaries and Malian troops continues to hold a military base.
AFP noted that Anefis is crucial for maintaining control over the strategically important city of Kidal, located about 100 kilometers away. Kidal is currently under the control of Tuareg armed groups.
Russia’s Africa Corps, which is tied to the Defense Ministry, supports Mali’s armed forces in their fight against Tuareg rebel groups. Those movements have for many years sought to create their own state in the north of the country.