**Title: Malian and Russian Forces Reclaim Strategic Northern Town of Anefis**
In a significant development in Mali's ongoing struggle against armed groups, the Malian Armed Forces (FAMa) and Russia's Africa Corps have successfully reclaimed the strategic northern town of Anefis. The announcement came following more than a week of intense fighting, with FAMa declaring on Saturday that they had achieved "total control" over the area.
The military operation involved extensive clearing efforts aimed at neutralizing threats from various armed groups, notably the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) and the Al-Qaeda-linked Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM). FAMa reported that operations were focused on consolidating their positions in Anefis, which has been a focal point of conflict in the region.
According to military sources, a major logistics convoy from Gao successfully entered Anefis on the night of July 9, following air and ground operations that secured the route against ambushes and kamikaze-drone attacks. The operations included 15 airstrikes that reportedly destroyed 12 combat vehicles and resulted in the deaths of nearly 100 fighters across Anefis, Tabrichat, and Koulebala within a 24-hour period.
In the days following the initial reclaiming of Anefis, FAMa reported additional successes, stating that five more fighters had been "neutralized" and another combat vehicle destroyed during operations on July 10 and 11. The Africa Corps also shared footage on their Telegram channel, showcasing the destruction of a terrorist pickup truck equipped with a ZU-23 anti-aircraft gun near Anefis.
Prior to the military's announcement, FLA spokesman Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadane claimed that the group had maintained control over most positions in Anefis and had imposed a five-day blockade on Malian and Russian forces. While acknowledging losses in personnel and equipment, the FLA did not disclose specific figures regarding their casualties.
Mali has been grappling with a jihadist insurgency since 2012, a situation that has extended into neighboring countries such as Burkina Faso and Niger. In response to the escalating violence, the military-led governments of these nations have severed defense ties with France, expelled French troops, and accused Paris of complicity in terrorism in the Sahel region. Consequently, they have sought security support from Russia.
The Africa Corps, a unit of the Russian Defense Ministry, has been active in Mali since late 2024, providing training and combat support to the Malian military as part of a security partnership with the government in Bamako.
The recent clashes in the region began on July 4, when FLA fighters launched coordinated attacks on multiple positions, including Anefis, Aguelhoc, Gao, Sevare, and Kenioroba. FAMa reported that their forces, alongside the Africa Corps, successfully repelled these assaults, resulting in the deaths of at least 26 militants.
In a follow-up statement on Sunday, the military highlighted ongoing operations targeting fighters and armed vehicles detected near Aguelhoc, which were engaged with precision airstrikes.
The situation in Mali remains fluid as the military continues its operations against armed groups in the region, aiming to restore stability and security in a country that has faced ongoing challenges from insurgent factions.