In northern Mali, Islamist militants and separatists ambushed a military convoy that, according to the rebels, included servicemen from the Malian army and the Russian African Corps. Dozens of soldiers were killed or captured in the attack. This was reported by the Associated Press, writes UNN.
Details
The Malian army confirmed the attack, stating that a column of soldiers and their partners was ambushed in one of the remote areas of the Gao region. After the attack, the military launched a counteroffensive.
Later, the army reported that it had carried out "precision strikes" on enemy positions. According to its data, three militant positions were attacked, several attackers were eliminated, and the convoy itself managed to break out of the ambush and continue moving.
Rebels claim heavy losses and prisoners
Responsibility for the attack was separately claimed by the Al-Qaeda-linked group JNIM and the separatist Azawad Liberation Front (FLA), calling the attack a joint operation. They claim that the Malian army suffered "heavy human losses" and "serious material damage."
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According to FLA representatives, the convoy included servicemen from the Malian army and the Russian African Corps, which supports the Malian government forces.
Many soldiers were killed, others were taken alive as prisoners. Army vehicles, including armored vehicles, were destroyed, and others were seized in good condition
According to AP, the convoy was moving from the city of Anefis to Gao through the Sahara Desert. Fuel tankers were spotted among the vehicles, which may indicate the logistical nature of the convoy.
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