Russian Su-24M Bomber Crashed in Mali. Here's What We Know

A combat aircraft believed to be a Russian Su-24M tactical bomber crashed in northern Mali, Malian military officials confirmed, marking the first recorded loss of the Soviet-era aircraft in the Sahel region as was reported on June 13.

A Malian defense ministry spokesperson said preliminary reports indicate the aircraft “suffered a technical failure moments before impact,” and that no casualties were reported on the ground as the jet went down near river Gao.  

“It could have been a Russian Su-24M,” a local aviation official told Militarnyi, reflecting early uncertainty before wreckage analysis.  

Aviation analysts noted that the Su-24M’s twin-engine layout and variable-geometry wings—distinct features absent on MiG-series fighters—strongly support its identification as a Fencer rather than any MiG variant.  

Meanwhile, Malian forces have secured the crash site and are recovering debris for forensic examination, amid growing scrutiny of Russia’s expanding aerial activities in Africa.

Earlier, reports surfaced indicating that Russia’s Wagner mercenaries and Malian forces have abducted, tortured, and disappeared hundreds of civilians, a June 12 investigation reveals. Victims were held in secret sites at former UN and military bases.