Mali Air Force Mi-24/35 Crash

A Mali Air Force Mi-24D crashed in the Missabougou district of Bamako while returning from an operational mission, coming down in a built-up area of the capital. Authorities said the three crew members were killed and six people on the ground were injured. The Mi-24 is a Soviet-designed armed helicopter that Mali uses for close air support and armed reconnaissance against insurgent groups in the centre and north of the country, a role that had grown as the army took over operations following the withdrawal of French and international forces. An investigation into the cause was opened.