MALI, 2026 According to footage released by the JNIM group, Russian Africa Corps units and the Malian armed forces were ambushed. At least 10 soldiers were reportedly killed in the attack. According to available information, between 2 and 4 Africa Corps personnel may also have been among the dead.
Mali has long faced an armed insurgency by jihadist groups, particularly the al-Qaeda-linked JNIM, as well as Tuareg separatists in the north of the country. Following the withdrawal of French and international forces, the military junta increasingly turned to Russia for support. The Russian Africa Corps, which took over the role previously carried out by the Wagner Group, supports the Malian armed forces with training, weapons, air support, and operations against insurgents. Despite the Russian presence, violence in the country continues, and Malian and Russian forces suffered several significant losses and territorial setbacks in 2026.
