The FLA claims to have downed a Malian army helicopter using a drone, but the military denies the claim and states a terrorist drone was intercepted. The situation highlights ongoing tensions in Mali, exacerbated by the involvement of foreign mercenaries and shifting international alliances.
The Front for the Liberation of Azawad (FLA) rebel group in Mali asserted on Wednesday that its forces utilized a drone to down a Malian army helicopter in the Kidal region. The military, however, did not corroborate this assertion, with army officials indicating that they intercepted a terrorist drone in the vicinity after the FLA’s claim regarding an attack in Tessalit, northeast Mali.
In its statement on Tuesday, the Malian army confirmed the interception of a drone at Tessalit’s airport. They reported that the drone was attempting to observe a Malian Armed Forces helicopter during its transit. The helicopter was later refueled and successfully returned to its base, contrary to the FLA’s assertions.
FLA spokesman Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadane rejected the military’s claims, maintaining the group did indeed shoot down the helicopter using drones. The FLA had retreated further north after a previous defeat in Kidal in November 2023, where they faced a military bolstered by Russian mercenaries.
Following a significant attack last July that resulted in numerous casualties among Malian soldiers and Wagner group fighters, discussions emerged regarding potential support for the rebels. A Ukrainian military intelligence official hinted that Kyiv may have provided information to assist the rebels. However, Ukraine denied any involvement in supplying intelligence or drones.
The FLA, formed from a merger of various Tuareg groups, claimed responsibility for the July attack and seeks control over territories in northern Mali. Concurrently, Mali’s military junta has shifted its foreign alliances, moving away from traditional partners like France and Europe towards Russia for military and political support.
The recent claims made by the Front for the Liberation of Azawad regarding the downing of a Malian army helicopter reflect ongoing tensions in Mali. The denial from the military suggests a complex narrative surrounding drone warfare and the involvement of external influences. Ultimately, these developments underscore the fragility of the security situation in northern Mali and the shifting alliances that characterize the current geopolitical landscape.
Original Source: thedefensepost.com
