Mali Insurgents Ambush Army Convoy

Militants linked to al-Qaeda and a Tuareg-led separatist group ambushed a military convoy in northern Mali over the weekend, leaving more than 50 soldiers and allied Russian fighters dead, according to a source close to the rebels.

Mali’s armed forces confirmed the ambush in the Tabrichat area, stating that retaliatory airstrikes killed at least 20 insurgents while government troops maintained control of Anefis.

Meanwhile, JNIM published video footage online showing captured soldiers surrendering and militants firing at prisoners, though independent sources have not verified the overall casualties.

50 Malian Soldiers Killed in Anefis Ambush

The ambush marks the latest escalation in a joint rebel campaign that previously targeted the capital’s airport and killed Mali’s defence minister in April.

The mounting violence poses an increasing challenge to the country’s military leadership, which seized power in consecutive coups while pledging to restore national security.

Mali (News Central TV) — Mali insurgents ambush army convoy. Credit: Reuters

The coordinated assault between the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) and Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM) targeted pro-government forces between the town of Anefis and the city of Gao.

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Abisoye Adeyiga

Abisoye Adedoyin Adeyiga holds a PhD in Languages and Media Studies and a Master’s in Education (English Language). Trained in digital marketing and investigative journalism, she is passionate about new media’s transformative power. She enjoys reading, traveling, and meaningful conversations.