African Perceptions – Kidal | Fierce clashes erupted early Friday morning in the Anou Melal area, in northern Kidal region, between the Malian army supported by Russian legionnaires, and fighters from the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA).
Local sources told African Perceptions that the fighting began in the early hours of the day and was still ongoing at the time of reporting. Preliminary reports indicate significant casualties and material losses among Malian and Russian forces, though no official statement has yet been released.
◀ Background to the clashes
The incident follows less than 24 hours after a logistics convoy belonging to the Malian army and its Russian partners was targeted with improvised mines while en route to a military base near Aguelhok. Field information suggests that FLA elements tracked the convoy’s movement before launching the attack, which resulted in the destruction of a military vehicle.
In recent weeks, the Azawad Liberation Front has intensified its operations, announcing a restructuring of its command and the formation of new combat units. The renewed violence comes amid the withdrawal of international forces and Mali’s growing military reliance on Russian partners.
African Perceptions will continue to monitor developments and provide timely updates as they emerge.
