| Date | July 5, 2026 |
| Country | 🇷🇺 Russia |
| Force | Russian Air Force |
| Location |
Near Gao, Mali
16.27, -0.04 |
| Aircraft | Mi-24/35 (Mi-24 Hind) |
| Event type | Shot down |
| Change | -1 active |
Tuareg-led rebels of the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) claimed to have shot down a Russian Africa Corps Mi-24P attack helicopter around 5 July 2026 during fighting near Gao, northern Mali. The loss came amid a coordinated FLA and JNIM offensive launched on 4 July against several Malian towns. The helicopter was reportedly hit while covering a Russian mercenary convoy retreating from Gao toward Anefis and ambushed near Tlemsi; analysts suggested a 23 mm anti-aircraft gun mounted on a pickup. Rebels said all crew were killed and the airframe destroyed. Neither Russian nor Malian authorities have confirmed the loss.
Tuareg-led FLA fighters shot down a Russian Africa Corps Su-24 bomber on July 4 and claimed an Mi-24P helicopter the next day near Gao, as a coordinated rebel offensive struck towns across Mali.
