The Malian Armed Forces (FAMa) alongside Russia’s Africa Corps have regained full control of the strategic northern town of Anefis following more than a week of intense fighting with militant groups, RT reported. The military confirmed on Saturday that joint forces had established "total control" over Anefis and were conducting clearance operations against the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA), the Al-Qaeda-linked Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), and their affiliates.
According to FAMa, a major logistics convoy from Gao successfully entered Anefis on the night of July 9 after air and ground operations cleared the route despite facing ambushes and kamikaze drone attacks. Over the course of 24 hours, 15 airstrikes destroyed 12 militant combat vehicles and eliminated nearly 100 fighters across Anefis and neighboring areas including Tabrichat and Koulebala.
Subsequent operations on July 10 and 11 resulted in the neutralization of five additional militants and the destruction of one more combat vehicle, the military added. Meanwhile, Africa Corps shared images on its Telegram channel showing a destroyed pickup truck armed with a ZU-23 anti-aircraft gun near Anefis, which was described as a terrorist vehicle.
Earlier on Saturday, FLA spokesman Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadane claimed that the group still controlled most positions in Anefis and had imposed a five-day blockade on Malian and Russian forces. Although Ramadane acknowledged losses in fighters and vehicles, no specific numbers were given.
Mali has been grappling with a jihadist insurgency since 2012, a conflict that has extended into neighboring Burkina Faso and Niger. In response to strained relations with France, these military-led governments have severed defense ties with Paris, expelled French troops, and accused France of supporting terrorism in the Sahel region. Consequently, they have sought military support from Russia.
Africa Corps, a Russian Defense Ministry unit deployed in Mali since late 2024, provides combat assistance and training to Malian forces under a security partnership with Bamako. The recent clashes erupted on July 4 when FLA militants launched coordinated attacks on several locations including Anefis, Aguelhoc, Gao, Sevare, and Kenioroba. FAMa stated that joint forces repelled these assaults, killing at least 26 militants.
In a separate military statement on Sunday, several fighters and armed vehicles were detected near Aguelhoc and targeted with precision airstrikes.
Why this matters
The recapture of Anefis marks a significant tactical victory against jihadist groups in northern Mali, demonstrating the effectiveness of the Malian-Russian security collaboration. This development highlights shifting alliances in the Sahel region, as countries pivot away from traditional French support towards new partnerships amid ongoing insurgencies.
Continued control over key towns like Anefis is crucial for stabilizing the region and curbing militant influence, which has broader implications for regional security and counterterrorism efforts in West Africa.
As the conflict evolves, monitoring the cooperation between Malian forces and Russia will be essential to understanding the future security landscape of the Sahel.
