Malian convoy ambush kills at least 50 soldiers near Anefis
A joint Malian army and Russia Africa Corps convoy was attacked in northern Mali, with separatist and al-Qaeda-linked fighters claiming responsibility.
By Sofia Marchetti · World Affairs Correspondent
2 min read
At least 50 Malian soldiers were killed in an ambush on a military convoy near Anefis in northern Mali, Al Jazeera reported on July 19. The convoy included Malian army forces and Russia’s Africa Corps, according to the report.
The attack adds to the pressure on Mali’s military as armed groups continue to strike government forces in the north. Al Jazeera reported that Tuareg separatists and fighters linked to al-Qaeda both claimed responsibility for the ambush.
Convoy hit in northern Mali
The convoy was operating near Anefis when it came under attack, according to Al Jazeera. The report did not give a precise time for the ambush or identify the military units involved.
Al Jazeera said footage from the scene showed captured soldiers, wrecked military vehicles and bodies. The outlet reported the death toll as at least 50 Malian soldiers.
Claims of responsibility
Tuareg separatists and al-Qaeda-linked fighters claimed they carried out the attack, Al Jazeera reported. The report did not provide further details on how the ambush was conducted.
Russia’s Africa Corps was part of the joint convoy with the Malian army, according to Al Jazeera. The report did not specify whether Africa Corps personnel were among those killed or captured.
Anefis lies in northern Mali, where the Malian state has faced armed opposition from separatist and armed Islamist groups. The reported attack marks one of the deadlier strikes on Malian soldiers described by Al Jazeera in its July 19 report.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.