In a significant military operation, Russian forces have conducted air and artillery strikes against militant groups in Mali, claiming to have killed over 1,000 militants and destroyed more than 100 vehicles. The strikes followed a coordinated attack by the Al-Qaeda affiliate JNIM and the Tuareg-dominated Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) on several cities, including Bamako, Gao, Kati, Kidal, and Sevare. The Africa Corps, which operates under the Russian Defense Ministry, stated that the assault was aimed at executing a coup d'état, allegedly supported by Western and Ukrainian mercenaries. They reported that the militants had access to advanced weaponry, including US-manufactured Stingers and French-made Mistrals. The Russian Foreign Ministry suggested that Western security services may have trained the attackers. The Africa Corps, established in 2023, has been involved in counter-terrorism operations in Mali and other regions, with a focus on training local forces and securing strategic sites. As the situation evolves, tensions in Mali continue to rise.