Russian military helicopter shot down in Mali during offensive

ALBAWABA - A helicopter linked to Russian forces was reportedly shot down amid new intense fighting in the north of Mali. supporting the Malian military government

According to reports released by Russian outlets linked to military aviation, all people on board the helicopter were killed in the crash. The preliminary cause indicated was "external fire impact," an expression usually used to indicate the use of an anti-aircraft system.

Attacks were reported in northern Mali, specifically in Bamako, Kati, Gao, Kidal, Mopti, and Sévaré, when the JNIM group, linked to Al Qaeda, and Tuareg rebels from the Azawad Liberation Front launched attacks on Malian military bases, airports, and strategic areas of the country.

🇲🇱 A Malian Air Force helicopter has been downed near Wabaria in the Gao region, reportedly shot down by Azawad separatist fighters.

Rebel convoys are advancing, army positions are collapsing, and gunfire has been reported near Bamako's airport.pic.twitter.com/YcHT5eTBwp https://t.co/kSPZCSxmz3

— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) April 25, 2026

A video was posted on social media showing a thick black smoke rising into the sky following the crash of the military helicopter in Mali.

Reports revealed that the helicopter was hit near Wabaria, close to Gao, one of the main cities in northern Mali. 

The region is the scene of constant offensive between government troops, separatist fighters, jihadists, and Russian forces from the Africa Corps, a structure that succeeded the presence of the former Wagner Group in the country.