Mali: Separatists and jihadists kill at least 50 soldiers
Mali’s fight against terrorism appears increasingly futile as jihadists and Tuareg separatists kill at least 50 soldiers, according to RFI and agencies on July 19th.
On July 18th, a convoy belonging to the Malian Armed Forces (FAMA) and the Russian African Corps was ambushed as it returned from the northern Kidal region’s Anéfis and headed towards Gao.
Gunfire erupted between the pastoral area of Tabrichat and the town of Tarkint; militants from the al-Qaeda-affiliated JNIM and the Tuareg-led Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) were lying in ambush before advancing towards the convoy.
Vehicles were burned, and military equipment was destroyed or seized by FLA and JNIM militants.
Pro-government militiamen were also part of the convoy; a plan belonging to the loyalist groups arrived on the scene and bombed a position, but was unable to adjust its fire due to poor weather.
Local and military sources reported a “provisional toll” of over 50 soldiers’ deaths; at least 24 soldiers were taken captive.
Since coordinated attacks by JNIM and FLA fighters on April 25th, the FLA has claimed to hold over 200 FAMA troops captive as “prisoners of war” in Kidal.
FAMA and its Russian auxiliaries increased operations in northern and central Mali amid the unrest.
Beginning on July 4th, the FLA and JNIM launched renewed attacks against military positions across Mali.
The July 18th ambush was not the first time that jihadists and Tuareg separatists have attacked military convoys.
On July 9th, a 60-vehicle FAMA and Russian African Corps convoy was attacked as it departed Gao for Anéfis.
Similarly, on July 12th, JNIM ambushed a FAMA convoy between Niono and Nampala in central Mali.
Before the April 25th attacks, FLA rebels launched attacks against army convoys in the Kidal region on February 18th and March 4th.
Tuareg separatists have waged war against Mali’s government since their latest uprising began in 2012; they are fighting for independence and autonomy for a northern Malian region they call Azawad.
In recent years, Tuareg rebels have allied with jihadists who seek to destabilise Mali’s junta and establish an Islamic Republic.
FLA rebels receive Ukrainian funding and have repeatedly denounced violence perpetrated by FAMA and its Russian auxiliaries, including the utilisation of cluster bombs.
Human Rights Watch has condemned violence committed by all parties involved in the conflict since April 25th.
RFI and agencies, Maghrebi.org
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