The “African Corps,” controlled by Russia’s Ministry of Defence, suffered losses in Mali after an ambush staged by local rebel groups in early July 2026.
This was reported by the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine.
According to Ukrainian intelligence, the ambush occurred near the settlement of Tabrishat in the Gao region in northeastern Mali. The attack hit a convoy that included Russian mercenaries and servicemen from Mali’s junta.
The DIU says that during the battle, as the convoy began sustaining significant losses in armoured vehicles and personnel, Russian forces retreated, leaving their allies without support.
Intelligence reports that despite the “African Corps” having Orion strike drones as well as Mi-24 and Mi-8 helicopters, the Russian side provided Malian troops with neither ground nor air support.
According to preliminary data, as a result of the fighting, rebels killed at least 60 Malian army servicemen, and at least 30 more were taken prisoner. Dozens of troops were wounded.
The DIU stresses that this incident demonstrates Russia’s attitude toward its allies. According to Ukrainian intelligence, Mali’s junta troops are being used as “cannon fodder” to advance Russian interests, and the Kremlin employs similar tactics in its war against Ukraine.
In addition, according to the DIU, the command of the “African Corps” uses Malian troops for menial work and allegedly sets up corruption schemes within the local army’s leadership, including by selling small arms that had previously been supplied as “military aid.”
Intelligence believes Russia’s main goal in Mali is to establish control over the country’s natural resources—above all gold and uranium deposits—and to expand its influence on the African continent.