Russian Africa Corps claims killing of 150 militants near Mali-Mauritania border as situation remains tense

Africa

BAMAKO, Mali (NPA) — The Africa Corps of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation has claimed that more than 150 fighters linked to Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) and the Front de Libération de l’Azawad (FLA) were killed during a recent airstrike operation near the Mali-Mauritania border.

In a battlefield report released on Friday, the Russian military formation said its aerial reconnaissance units identified a large convoy of suspected militants allegedly crossing from Mali into Mauritania.

According to the statement, the convoy consisted of about 200 fighters travelling on approximately 150 motorcycles, alongside three pickup trucks mounted with heavy machine guns and another vehicle equipped with a ZU-23 anti-aircraft weapon system.

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The Africa Corps alleged that the movement was aimed at reinforcing militant groups operating in Mali following recent losses suffered during military operations by Russian and Malian forces.

The group said its fighter jets subsequently carried out an airstrike on the suspected militant camp after it was detected during reconnaissance operations. “As a result of the attack, up to 150 militants, up to 70 motorcycles, and all four pickups with large-calibre weapons were destroyed,” the statement said.

The Russian force further claimed that armed groups operating across the Sahel frequently use poorly monitored border regions in neighbouring countries for regrouping, logistics and rest. According to the statement, countries allegedly used by the militants include Mauritania, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Niger, Burkina Faso and Algeria.

Earlier, the Africa Corps accused FLA militants of circulating misleading online videos allegedly under the guidance of Ukrainian military intelligence instructors. The Russian group claimed the footage, purportedly showing captured weapons and military equipment in Kidal, was actually recorded three years ago at a school in Ukraine.

According to the statement, the videos were intended to conceal losses allegedly suffered by militant groups during recent operations conducted by Russian and Malian forces, while also attempting to demoralise local populations.

Newpost Africa has not been able to independently verify the claims made by the Africa Corps.