This photo released by the Azaward Liberation Front shows what they say is the aftermath of an attack by FLA separatists and jihadist militants in Gao, northern Mali, on July 18, 2026.
| Photo Credit: AP
At least 50 Malian soldiers were killed in an attack by Tuareg separatists and jihadists as they left the strategic northern town of Anefis, officials said on Sunday (July 19, 2026).
The attack on the Army convoy leaving Anefis occurred on Saturday (July 18, 2026), following weeks of fighting with both sides attempting to take control.
In early July, fighters from the Tuareg separatist FLA and the al-Qaeda-affiliated Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM) briefly captured the town and encircled a military base used by the Malian army and Russian paramilitaries from Africa Corps.
JNIM and the FLA claimed responsibility for the attack.
“The provisional toll of the attack is extremely heavy — more than 50 soldiers killed and at least 24 prisoners,” said a local elected official close to the ruling junta.
The official, who asked to remain anonymous, said it was the deadliest attack suffered by the Malian army in years.
“Some of our men were simply executed,” said a source within the Malian army, adding that an investigation was under way to determine any tactical failures.
The Russian paramilitaries supporting the army had already arrived in Gao, their destination, when the attack happened and did not suffer any losses, sources said.
Published – July 19, 2026 11:11 pm IST
