Russian mercenary convoy attacked in northern Mali, Reuters reports
hoto: A convoy carrying more than 200 Russians comes under attack in Mali (Getty Images)
The convoy was heading toward the northern town of Anefis, where heavy fighting is currently underway.
Neighboring Niger, an ally of Mali's ruling authorities, provided air support to the trapped troops during the fighting. Officials from the Malian military and Niger's military leadership have not yet responded to Reuters' requests for comment.
A spokesperson for the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) officially claimed responsibility for the attack. It remains unclear, however, whether another militant group, Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM), was also involved in the operation.
According to Reuters sources, this was not the first such incident in recent days. Earlier this week, militants carried out a similar attack on another military convoy advancing toward northern Mali.
As previously reported, Russia has established an extensive recruitment network across Africa to enlist mercenaries for its war against Ukraine. Under the guise of offering employment, the Kremlin has recruited citizens from nearly 40 African countries to serve in its army.
Russia actively uses African countries to circumvent international sanctions, recruit additional fighters, and gain access to strategically important natural resources.
