Russia details April 25 Mali terror attacks, blames Europe and Ukraine for training militants

Africa, International

MOSCOW, Russia (NPA) — Russia has presented an account of the challenges faced by its military personnel in Mali during the April 25, 2026 terrorist assault, when militants nearly overran the country in a coordinated attack. According to a statement issued by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday via its Telegram channel, the Ministry of Defence reported that at around 5:30 a.m., illegal armed groups of Jama’at Nusrat al‑Islam wal‑Muslimin (JNIM) and the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA), under joint command, attempted to carry out an armed coup d’état in Mali.

Four major populated areas — Bamako, Sevare, Gao, and Kidal — were attacked simultaneously by an estimated 12,000 fighters, reportedly trained with the involvement of Ukrainian and European mercenary instructors using Western‑made Stinger and Mistral MANPADS.

Russia said in Bamako, militants attempted to seize key facilities, including the presidential palace. Mali’s Defence Minister was killed when a suicide vehicle‑borne explosive device detonated near his residence.

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It noted that units of Russia’s African Corps engaged the enemy forces in fierce fighting, inflicting heavy losses and forcing militants to abandon their plans. Russian forces carried out UAV airstrikes, helicopter sorties, and Su‑24 combat missions, destroying hundreds of militants, vehicles, and equipment. The Ministry reported that enemy losses amounted to more than 2,500 fighters, 102 vehicles, 152 motorcycles, and multiple mortars.

The African Corps detachment in Kidal fought encircled for over 24 hours, repelling four massive attacks before withdrawing alongside Malian forces.

Russia emphasized that its intervention prevented a coup d’état, preserved Mali’s legitimate government, and averted mass civilian casualties. Medical specialists are providing aid to wounded civilians, while Russian units continue reconnaissance and strikes against regrouping militant forces.

The Ministry warned that the situation in Mali remains difficult, with militants regrouping and maintaining aggressive intentions.

Newpost Africa reported earlier that the African Union, Ghana and Senegal condemned the terrorists’ attacks with the President of the Confederation of Sahel States, Ibrahim Traoré, issuing a communiqué denouncing it.

Yesterday, Mali’s Prime Minister, General Abdoulaye Maïga, said in a press conference that the ultimate goal of the terrorists was to seize power by dismantling the institutions of the Republic and halting the Transition process. He noted, however, that this had failed, stressing that the country remains on the path of progress.