The Front for the Liberation of Azawad (FLA), together with the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), launched an ambush on a Malian-Russian military convoy on Friday morning near Tabankort, along the Gao–Anéfis road, according to field sources.
The sources said the convoy was attempting to reach Anéfis to reinforce government and Russian forces engaged in ongoing fighting in the area.
According to the field sources, the ambush killed dozens of Malian soldiers, led to the capture of dozens more, and resulted in the destruction and burning of several military vehicles.
The sources added that the convoy was supported by a Russian MiG fighter jet and an armed drone during the operation.
Al Jazeera has not been able to independently verify the reported casualties or the claims made by the field sources. The Malian military has not issued an official statement on the reported ambush.
