Russian Mercenaries Take Losses as Rebels and Jihadists Launch Joint Attack in Mali

A large-scale coordinated offensive by Tuareg rebels and Al-Qaeda-linked militants targeted Malian government forces and Russian mercenaries across multiple regions of Mali on April 25, including areas near the capital Bamako.

According to Reuters on April 25, fighters from the Al-Qaeda-affiliated group Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) and the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) carried out simultaneous attacks on military positions, infrastructure, and urban centers.

The agency reported that the strikes included an assault on Bamako’s airport, as well as operations in northern and central cities such as Gao, Kidal, Mopti, and Sevare.

Reuters reported that Malian military authorities acknowledged ongoing clashes with what they described as “terrorist groups,” stating that the situation remained under control. However, eyewitness accounts cited by Reuters indicated continued fighting and explosions in several areas even after official statements.

According to BBC, combat activity was also recorded near the Kati military base, a key installation close to Bamako, with reports of gunfire lasting several hours. Social media footage reviewed by the outlet suggested a coordinated and near-simultaneous offensive across multiple fronts.

The FLA claimed it had taken control of positions in Gao and Kidal, with spokesperson Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadane stating that rebel forces had secured several positions in the north. Kidal, which hosts a base used by Russian personnel from the so-called “African Corps,” was reportedly among the targets. Initial reports indicated that attacking forces temporarily overran positions linked to Russian units and seized equipment.

According to Reuters, Kidal was declared “captured” by insurgent forces following the joint operation. Additional reports cited by the agency indicated that explosions in Kati damaged property linked to Mali’s defense leadership.

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Foreign embassies, including those of the US and the United Kingdom, advised their citizens to seek immediate shelter as the attacks unfolded, Reuters reported.

The Malian government, led by General Assimi Goïta since the 2021 coup, has relied on Russian military support after expelling French forces and UN peacekeepers.

Russian personnel deployed under the “African Corps”—a structure established by Russia’s Ministry of Defense following the decline of the Wagner Group—are actively involved in operations against both rebels and Islamist groups.

Despite the scale of the offensive, analysts quoted by Reuters described the attack as one of the most coordinated in recent years, noting that key targets such as Bamako and Kati represent the political and military center of the country.

In a separate development, reports emerged of a Russian helicopter being downed near Gao. According to Russian aviation-linked Telegram channel Fighterbomber, cited on April 26, the aircraft was likely hit by “external fire,” with the crew and onboard personnel killed.

Earlier, Russia expanded its military footprint in Mali by deploying heavy equipment and establishing new supply routes for its state-controlled “Africa Corps,” which replaced the Wagner Group in 2025.

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