Mali Air Force L-39 Crash

A Malian Air Force L-39C Albatros light attack jet crashed in the Ménaka region of eastern Mali, according to Military Africa; AeroTime placed the wreckage, shown in footage that circulated online, in the north-east of the country. Both pilots were killed; Military Africa and AeroTime reported that they were Russian nationals flying for the contractors supporting Malian forces. The Islamic State's Sahel Province claimed responsibility for the loss, while AeroTime noted that it was not known whether the aircraft had been shot down or had suffered a technical failure. The Malian authorities issued no statement. Russia delivered four L-39Cs to Mali in March 2023.