Tuareg Separatists Attack Malian Army Convoy Near Northern Town of Al-Nafis

A Malian army convoy departing from the strategic northern town of Al-Nafis was targeted in an attack carried out by Tuareg separatists on Saturday morning, according to military and security sources.

In recent weeks, fierce battles have taken place over control of Al-Nafis, as reported by news agencies.

Earlier in July, a large coordinated assault involving the Al-Qaeda-affiliated group Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin and the Tuareg separatists of the Azawad Liberation Front temporarily seized control of the town. They also besieged the military base guarded by Malian armed forces with support from elements of the Russian paramilitary group "Africa Corps."

A military source in Gao stated, "Our convoy leaving Al-Nafis towards Gao was attacked this morning in Tabankort. The fighting is ongoing, and this was an ambush set up against the army."

A representative of the Azawad Liberation Front confirmed the attack, saying, "We attacked a convoy of approximately 50 vehicles between Tabankort and Tangara," and noted that "the enemy abandoned several pieces of equipment, including trucks."

Security sources reported that the army suffered heavy losses, although the remainder of the convoy managed to continue its route.

A local official source announced that "many casualties" occurred during the attack.

Photographs released by the Azawad Liberation Front showed what they described as dozens of captured army personnel.

The recent intense clashes in Al-Nafis have resulted in around 30 deaths and approximately 60 injuries among Malian army ranks, according to the official toll issued by the Malian General Staff on July 12.

On July 10, the Malian army, supported by elements of the Russian "Africa Corps," regained control of Al-Nafis after several days of fierce confrontations.

Since 2012, Mali has been experiencing a severe security crisis compounded by a dire economic situation. This instability is fueled by violence from groups linked to extremist organizations such as Al-Qaeda and ISIS, as well as local criminal groups and Tuareg separatist movements.

Following two successive coups in 2020 and 2021, Mali has been under military rule.