The FLA rebel group in Mali claims to have downed a Malian army helicopter using a drone, although the military disputes this assertion, reporting instead that a terrorist drone was intercepted and recovered. The evolving conflict, marked by the FLA’s previous retreat and geopolitical shifts, illustrates ongoing tensions in northern Mali.
The Front for the Liberation of Azawad (FLA) rebel group in Mali has asserted that its fighters successfully utilized a drone to down a Malian army helicopter in the Kidal region. Despite this claim, the military has not confirmed the incident. The army’s general staff stated that it intercepted a drone described as “terrorist” in the same region after the FLA asserted responsibility for the helicopter downing in Tessalit on Tuesday.
The Malian army reported that a drone was recovered in Tessalit, asserting it had been monitoring a Malian Armed Forces (FAMA) helicopter. The military confirmed that after refueling, the FAMA helicopter took off and returned safely to its base. However, the FLA spokesman, Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadane, refuted the army’s statement, declaring, “We did shoot down the army helicopter with our drones.”
Following their defeat in Kidal in November 2023, supported by Russian mercenaries, the rebels retreated northwards towards the Algerian border. Notably, they executed an attack last July, resulting in the deaths of numerous Malian soldiers and members of the Russian paramilitary group Wagner. Andriy Yusov, a Ukrainian military intelligence official, insinuated that Ukraine had provided intelligence to assist the rebels, a claim that Ukraine subsequently denied, including accusations regarding drone provision to the rebels.
The FLA emerged late last year from a merger of various primarily Tuareg factions, aiming to claim territory in northern Mali. Since assuming power, Mali’s military junta has pivoted away from its long-term alliance with France and European nations, instead fostering military and political ties with Russia.
The FLA’s claim of downing a Malian army helicopter with a drone highlights the ongoing conflict dynamics in Mali, particularly following their retreat after military setbacks. Despite military denials and a narrative of successful interceptions, the FLA’s assertive stance suggests continuing hostilities. The geopolitical shifts in Mali, particularly the move towards closer ties with Russia, further complicate the situation as rebel groups continue to assert their influence in the region.
Original Source: thedefensepost.com
