Heavy Fighting Across Mali as Helicopter Downed, Armed Groups Clash in Multiple Cities

Intense fighting erupted across several Malian cities over the weekend, with reports of chaos and heightened insecurity as armed groups clashed with security forces and allied units.

On April 25, a helicopter operated by Africa Corps was shot down near Gao, killing all crew members. Early indications suggest the aircraft may have been brought down by a surface-to-air missile.

By Saturday, clashes had spread to key locations including Bamako, Sevaré, Gao, Kidal, and Kati. Residents in the capital reported seeing jihadist fighters moving openly on motorbikes on the outskirts of Bamako in broad daylight — an unprecedented development that underscored growing security concerns. Although the fighters later withdrew, the incident raised alarm among locals.

Authorities later stated that the situation was under control, though security operations were ongoing amid fears of renewed unrest.

In a statement, Africa Corps claimed that between 10,000 and 12,000 militants took part in coordinated attacks across the affected regions. The group said its forces had “neutralised” more than 1,000 militants, including 500 in Gao, 300 in Kati, and 200 in Bamako. It also reported destroying over 100 vehicles linked to armed groups and released footage purportedly showing airstrikes and ground engagements.

However, opposing group JNIM later displayed captured equipment, including Russian-made armoured personnel carriers and Ural-4320 trucks reportedly used by Africa Corps. Reports also indicated that a Bayraktar TB2 drone control station may have been seized in Kidal following the group’s withdrawal.

The situation remains fluid, with conflicting claims from both sides and concerns over further escalation.