**WATCH Russian Africa Corps’ Gunfight with Islamist Militants (GRAPHIC VIDEO)**
In a recent development, Russia’s Africa Corps has released graphic footage documenting a gunfight with jihadist militants in Mali. The videos, shared on the unit's Telegram channel on Tuesday, were filmed near the settlement of Niono, located in the central region of the country.
According to a statement accompanying the footage, the Russian Armed Forces’ Africa Corps, in collaboration with the Malian Army, was engaged in reconnaissance and search operations when they encountered militants from the Al-Qaeda-linked Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM). The encounter escalated into a gunfight, showcasing the ongoing conflict in the region.
The first video captures a soldier wearing a helmet camera who reports that they are confronted by twelve armed militants. The footage depicts the soldier taking cover along a riverbank while exchanging gunfire with the jihadists, successfully neutralizing several of them during the confrontation.
The second video presents the aftermath of the skirmish, illustrating Russian troops destroying the motorcycles that the militants had utilized to reach the combat zone. This action underscores the tactical measures taken by the Africa Corps to disrupt the operational capabilities of the insurgents.
The Africa Corps has been actively involved in combat operations against armed groups in Mali alongside the Malian Armed Forces (FAMa). The nation has been grappling with a jihadist insurgency since 2012, which has increasingly spilled over 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 fostering terrorism in the Sahel region. Consequently, they have sought military support from Russia.
The Africa Corps, a unit of the Russian Defense Ministry, has been deployed in Mali since late 2024. Its mission includes providing training and combat support to the Malian Armed Forces as part of a security partnership with the government in Bamako.
Earlier this month, during a visit by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to Niger, Russia reiterated its commitment to enhancing military cooperation with the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), which includes Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. Following discussions in Niamey, Moscow pledged to bolster the operational capabilities of the armed forces in these three nations, highlighting Russia's increasing influence in the region.
The ongoing conflict in Mali and the involvement of foreign military units, including the Russia Africa Corps, reflect the complex dynamics of security in the Sahel, where various armed groups continue to pose significant challenges to stability and governance.