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.
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