Tuareg rebels claim to shoot down Russian-linked helicopter in Mali VIDEO

Tuareg rebels in Mali have claimed responsibility for shooting down a military helicopter believed to belong to the Africa Corps, a unit affiliated with Russia's Ministry of Defence, as fighting escalates around the strategically important town of Anefis, Al Jazeera reports.

Videos circulating on social media appear to show the crash of a helicopter resembling a Mi-24 or Mi-35, along with footage of a burning fuselage and armed men identified as Tuareg fighters.

According to the OSINTWarfare account, fighters from the Azawad Liberation Front ambushed a convoy of the Africa Corps that was traveling from Gao to Anefis to reinforce the town's defenses. The group claimed the attack resulted in the helicopter being shot down and several military trucks being destroyed.

Turkish journalist Mahmut Bozarslan, who closely follows the conflict in Mali, also reported the destruction of a Mi-24 helicopter allegedly operated by the Africa Corps. He said the incident occurred near Tinzaouaten, close to the Algerian border, and claimed that all those on board were killed. Russia has not officially confirmed the report.

Tuareg rebels and jihadist groups simultaneously launched attacks on positions held by the Malian army and its allies in several parts of the country.

The main focus of the offensive was Anefis, which has become one of the Malian military's principal strongholds in the Kidal region following the rebels' spring offensive and also serves as a key base for the Russia-backed Africa Corps.

The Azawad Liberation Front claimed it had seized control of Anefis. However, the Malian army rejected the assertion, insisting that government forces remained in control of the town.

The Africa Corps likewise said its personnel, alongside Malian troops, continued to hold positions in Anefis and were actively engaged in combat.

By Vafa Guliyeva