Russian Africa Corps says Mali situation remains tense amid anti-terror operations

Africa, Crime Diary

BAMAKO, Mali (NPA) — The Africa Corps of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation has said the security situation in Mali remains tense, accusing militant groups of intensifying attacks and propaganda operations against Malian and Russian forces.

In a statement released on Thursday, the Russian military formation said militants belonging to Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) and the Front de Libération de l’Azawad (FLA) were regrouping and carrying out reconnaissance around positions occupied by Russian and Malian troops.

According to the statement, the armed groups were also engaged in what it described as “massive false statements” on social media aimed at weakening the morale of the Malian Armed Forces.

The group alleged that the propaganda campaign falsely claimed that Malian soldiers had abandoned their positions in parts of the country. The Africa Corps said its forces, working alongside the Malian Armed Forces, identified and targeted militant positions during aerial reconnaissance operations conducted on April 30.

It stated that two alleged militant camps were discovered in the Folona area of Sikasso Region and the Farani area of Koulikoro Region before being struck by Russian aviation assets.

The Russian force further disclosed that its personnel, in collaboration with the Malian Armed Forces, carried out security patrols in the northern city of Ménaka on April 30.

According to the statement, the patrol operation was conducted “in normal mode,” adding that no militants were detected in the city and that residents were continuing daily activities peacefully.

The Africa Corps also accused FLA militants of circulating old videos online under the guidance of alleged Ukrainian military intelligence instructors. The group claimed the footage, purportedly showing captured weapons and military equipment in Kidal, was in fact 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 civilians.

Mali has witnessed a worsening security crisis in recent years, with armed groups linked to extremist organisations expanding operations across parts of the country despite intensified military campaigns by the transitional government and its foreign allies.