On Thursday morning, Tuareg separatists from the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) and their jihadist allies launched an attack on a convoy of Russian soldiers and Malian troops traveling to reinforce a military camp in Anefis, northern Mali. The assault highlights the ongoing conflict in the region, as JNIM jihadists and FLA separatists have claimed control of the strategic town.
Details of the Attack on the Convoy
The convoy, which consisted of dozens of vehicles with air cover, was targeted after a previous reinforcement convoy was ambushed just days prior. According to Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadane, spokesperson for the FLA, “Our troops engaged in combat this Thursday near Tabankort against the reinforcement force, which is composed 90 percent of Russian mercenaries and Malian soldiers.”
A Malian security source confirmed that fierce fighting was ongoing, stating that the convoy heading to Anefis had fallen into another ambush. A video released by the FLA depicted heavy gunfire in a desert area, further illustrating the intensity of the conflict.
The Strategic Importance of Anefis
Anefis is crucial for maintaining control over the northern town of Kidal, approximately 100 kilometers away, which remains a stronghold for the Tuareg group. For the Malian government, securing Anefis is vital for any future campaigns aimed at retaking Kidal.
