Rebel and Jihadist Attacks Shake Mali
A coordinated series of assaults by Tuareg rebels from the Azawad Liberation Front (FLAA) and jihadists of Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin, an Al-Qaeda affiliate, has targeted government positions across Mali. These strikes—unfolding in the north, center, and south of the country, including the strategic town of Anéfis—have left Russian military personnel surrounded and Malian soldiers captured. Earlier this spring, fighters from the African Corps and Malian troops had retreated to Anéfis after withdrawing from Kidal.
The Malian army has confirmed that rebels now control Anéfis, while Russian forces remain entrenched in a local camp. Social media footage shows a downed Mi-24 helicopter. Government forces also reported attacks on other localities, including:
- Aguelhok
- Gao
- Sévaré
- Kéniéroba
In Kéniéroba, a prison holding political detainees came under assault. Reports from Gao and Sévaré indicate that fighting had subsided by day's end.
The Malian army acknowledged the death of one soldier in Gao and claimed to have neutralized 20 terrorists in Sévaré. Government forces successfully repelled the attack in Kéniéroba. Anéfis and Aguelhok remain the last outposts of Malian and Russian military presence in the Kidal region. Notably, in April, the FLAA and jihadists had already seized Kidal, Tessalit, Tessit, and Ber.
Mali's Shifting Military Landscape
Mali is governed by a military junta led by Assimi Goïta. After severing ties with France, the country brought in the Wagner Group, and following Yevgeny Prigozhin's death, it turned to the African Corps, a unit of Russia's Ministry of Defense. The African Corps, operating in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, is composed of former Wagner fighters and regular Russian military personnel.
A recent Human Rights Watch report accused both sides of serious abuses against civilians. Several positions have already fallen, but fighting within the city continues, according to Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadan. Bakary Sambe added that these attacks aim to weaken and isolate the regime. The April operation by the FLAA and jihadists cost the junta control of Kidal and the life of Defense Minister Sadio Camara.
In a statement, Russia's African Corps announced the withdrawal of units from Kidal, calling it a joint decision with Mali's authorities. A video of an ambush and the downing of a Mi-24 was published on July 5, 2026.
The situation in Mali remains volatile, with recent events highlighting a surge in rebel and jihadist activity. Control over key towns like Anéfis underscores the strategic vulnerability of government forces, especially amid the loss of international support. Continued armed clashes risk deepening the humanitarian crisis and triggering further human rights violations, drawing concern from the global community.
The recent surge in violence highlights a troubling trend in Mali, where jihadist groups are increasingly assuming government-like roles. This shift not only complicates the security landscape but also raises questions about the future governance of the country amidst ongoing conflicts and foreign military involvement.