Malian army convoy attacked by jihadists and separatists

Mali’s security situation has deteriorated further as a Malian Armed Forces (FAMA) convoy was attacked by jihadists and Tuareg separatists, according to RFI and agencies on July 9th.

On July 7th, the convoy departed Gao for Anéfis, in the northern Kidal region; it consisted of around 60 vehicles carrying soldiers from FAMA and the Russian Africa Corps.

Reportedly, the convoy contained military equipment intended to reinforce troops at the Anéfis military camp.

The camp has been under attack by the al-Qaeda-affiliated JNIM and Tuareg-led Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) since July 4th.

Fighting began on July 9th in Tin Araban, roughly 10 kilometres from Tabankort and under 100 kilometres from Anéfis.

Clashes continued for over four hours, with FLA rebels claiming to have destroyed several drones and military vehicles.

Malian and Russian forces also claim to have destroyed vehicles belonging to militants; they have also maintained control of the camp.

Deaths were reported on both sides, although no official death toll has been confirmed so far.

The Anéfis region has previously been the site of FLA attacks on military convoys, including a kamikaze drone attack on February 18th.

FLA militants recaptured Kidal following coordinated attacks in partnership with JNIM on April 25th.

Since April 25th, the FLA have held over 200 FAMA troops as “prisoners of war” in Kidal; it remains unclear if Mali’s junta has initiated negotiations for the soldiers’ release.

Kidal’s Tessalit camps have been under JNIM and FLA control since May 1st, after being deserted by Malian and Russian forces.

Troops maintain a presence in the Aguelhoc and Anefis camps, which have come under increased attack by JNIM and the FLA.

On July 4th, JNIM and FLA rebels launched a new wave of attacks against military positions in locations including Molodo, Sandaré, Niono, Nioro du Sahel, Diboli, Gogui and Kayes.

FLA rebels claimed responsibility for attacks in northern Mali; JNIM claimed responsibility for attacks in central and western Mali.

Since April 28th, JNIM has imposed a renewed blockade on Bamako, cutting off key supply routes, setting vehicles ablaze and damaging infrastructure.

Additionally, suspected sabotage against electrical infrastructure led to power and water outages in Bamako between July 5th and 9th.

While no group claimed responsibility for the July 5th sabotage, JNIM were behind the attack on infrastructure in May.

RFI and agencies, Africa News via AFP, Maghrebi.org