A convoy carrying Malian soldiers and fighters from the Russian paramilitary Africa Corps came under attack in northern Mali on Thursday, according to three security sources.
The convoy, reportedly transporting more than 200 Russian fighters and over 100 Malian soldiers, was travelling towards the northern town of Anefis, where clashes have continued since coordinated attacks on Saturday, July 4, by the Tuareg-led Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) and an Al Qaeda-linked militant group.
The FLA claimed responsibility for Thursday’s attack. Security sources said neighbouring Niger provided air support during the fighting, although there was no immediate official confirmation. Mali’s military also did not immediately comment.
The latest assault follows renewed violence in northern Mali, where the Africa Corps has been supporting the Malian military in its long-running fight against insurgent groups since the conflict began in 2012.