Several Malian soldiers were captured on Saturday after coordinated terrorist attacks hit multiple military positions across Mali, according to security analyst Brant Philip.
In a series of posts on X, Philip said the attacks struck army positions in Aguelhok, Gao, Sevaré, Anefis, and Kenioroba, and were carried out jointly by Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM) and the Front de Libération de l’Azawad (FLA).
Philip also cited unverified reports that a Russian Africa Corps Su-24 fighter jet went down near Gao after allegedly being struck by anti-aircraft fire close to Anefis. He noted heavy smoke was seen rising from the Gao Air Base afterward.
As of press time, neither Russian nor Malian authorities had officially confirmed the alleged jet crash.
Philip said the Russian Africa Corps was fighting alongside Malian troops to push back the assault, engaging JNIM and FLA forces defending positions in Gao, Anefis, and Aguelhok.
He added that more Malian soldiers were taken captive by the FLA in Anefis during the offensive.
READ ALSO:
- Kogi Recovers 1,000 Stolen Cattle in Crackdown on Battijo’s Bandit Network
- UN Official Visits UNILAG, Lauds AI Tool Aiding People With Disabilities
- CAF Begins Bidding Process For 2028, 2032, 2036 AFCON Hosting Rights
- Tinubu Flags Off ₦111bn Akwanga-Jos Section of 700km North-East Superhighway
- Terrorists Seize Malian Soldiers, Russian Jet Reportedly Downed in Mali Attacks
