Russia's military presence in Mali has been targeted by Tuareg rebels, resulting in the downing of a Russian helicopter and the capture of Russian servicemen.

Tuareg rebels in Mali reportedly shot down a Russian Africa Corps Mi-24 attack helicopter during an ambush on a Russian convoy from Gao. Local channels and Sputnik reported that Russian servicemen were captured, while Russia’s embassy was said to be evacuating personnel and negotiating their release. #Mali

Tuareg rebels in Mali shot down a helicopter belonging to Russia’s African Corps, Al Jazeera reported. https://meduza.io/en/news/2026/07/06/rebels-in-mali-shoot-down-helicopter-operated-by-russia-s-africa-corps