Russian Military Helicopter Shot Down in Mali During Largest Coordinated Attack in Years

A Russian military helicopter was shot down near the city of Gao in Mali on April 25, amid a large-scale coordinated offensive by armed groups across the country.

According to Russian aviation blogger Ilya Tumanov, who runs the Fighterbomber Telegram channel, the aircraft was likely brought down by “external fire impact,” suggesting the use of an air defense system.

Tumanov reported that all onboard personnel, including the crew and a mobile fire group being transported, were killed. The Russian Ministry of Defense has not officially confirmed the incident.

According to reporting by Defense Blog on April 26, the downed aircraft was identified as a Mi-8AMTSh helicopter operated by Russia’s African Corps.

Initial claims by the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) suggested a different aircraft type, but later reporting confirmed it was a Russian-operated transport helicopter downed near Wabaria in the Gao region.

The loss occurred during one of the largest coordinated attacks in Mali in recent years. According to Defense Blog, FLA and al-Qaeda-linked JNIM fighters launched simultaneous strikes on Bamako, the Kati military base, and cities including Gao, Kidal, and Sevare, with fighting reported across multiple regions.

JNIM said the attacks were carried out jointly with FLA forces, which also claimed control over parts of Kidal and positions in Gao. A local official cited by the Associated Press confirmed clashes inside Kidal.

Russia maintains a military presence in Mali through the African Corps under the Ministry of Defense, replacing Wagner Group operations and securing key bases and resource sites while conducting operations against armed groups.

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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