20.07.2026 At least 50 Malian soldiers have been slain in an attack by Tuareg separatists and jihadists as they left the strategic northern town of Anefis, officials said. (Image above: courtesy Samuel Quek).

The attack on the army convoy leaving Anefis occurred on Saturday, July 18, following weeks of fighting with both sides attempting to take control.

In early July, fighters from the Tuareg separatist FLA and the al Qaeda-affiliated Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM) briefly captured the town and encircled a military base used by the Malian army and Russian paramilitaries from Africa Corps.

JNIM and the FLA claimed responsibility for the attack.

At least 50 Malian soldiers were killed after a joint Malian army and Russia's Africa Corps convoy was ambushed near Anefis in northern Mali.

Tuareg separatists and al Qaeda linked fighters claimed responsibility. pic.twitter.com/XzH38KMVWu

— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) July 19, 2026