Trump Willing To End Conflict Without Closing Strait? Russians Hit In Mali

Sahel Region

Forces aligned with the Azawad movement launched a coordinated drone and artillery strike on March 30 against Malian army positions and Russian Africa Corps (The successor of Wagner) elements in Anafif, located in the Kidal region. The attack reportedly involved kamikaze drones followed by shelling, targeting a joint military position in the area.

Footage and local reporting indicate significant damage to the base, with smoke seen rising from the site in the aftermath. According to sources linked to the Azawad Liberation Front, the strike resulted in multiple casualties among Malian forces and Russian personnel, alongside notable equipment losses. These claims remain unverified, and the Malian government has not issued an official response at this stage.

The use of drones highlights a continued shift toward asymmetric tactics by rebel forces, increasing pressure on Malian and allied units operating in northern regions. The conflict in northern Mali centres on Tuareg separatist groups seeking independence for Azawad, clashing with Malian government forces and allied Russian contractors. Following the withdrawal of French forces, Russia-backed units have taken a larger role, while insurgent groups continue to exploit terrain and mobility advantages in the north.

The separatists are different to Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin. Reports suggest the Malian government and JNIM have agreed to a temporary truce, potentially halting attacks on fuel convoys until May. This would mark another instance of negotiated pauses during JNIM’s economic warfare campaign. However, attack intensity has already declined since early February, with no recent strikes on fuel convoys, mining sites, or kidnappings of foreign nationals. This slowdown is likely driven by internal pressures, improved military responses, and JNIM achieving key objectives. Despite this, fuel shortages persist due to earlier disruptions, and core tactics like kidnappings and industrial attacks may resume.

Video source for attack