Russian Air Force Mi-24/35 Shot down

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.