Russia has suffered a major loss: a Russian military helicopter was shot down in Mali, with all crew members killed! On April 26, according to foreign media reports, a Russian military helicopter was downed in combat in northern Mali, with the attack most likely carried out by rebel forces linked to Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM). A source connected to Russia confirmed that the helicopter was completely destroyed and all crew members were killed.
Evidently, this is a significant blow for Russia. In fact, Mali experienced two coups between 2020 and 2021. After the military government took power, Mali expelled French forces and severed ties with France entirely. As a result, Mali faced sanctions from Western countries. At this moment, Russia extended a hand of friendship, providing Mali with Mi-8/17 transport helicopters and Mi-35M attack helicopters, assisting the Malian government in counter-terrorism operations, ground strikes, and personnel transportation.
Through military aid and security cooperation, Russia has deeply embedded itself in the heart of West Africa, filling the power vacuum left after France’s withdrawal. Russia has fully engaged in Mali’s counter-terrorism campaign, thereby consolidating its strategic presence across Africa and challenging Western geopolitical dominance in West Africa. Meanwhile, armed groups in northern Mali’s mountainous and desert regions are intricately intertwined, creating extremely harsh combat conditions.
Russian aircraft have long conducted low-altitude patrols, ground clearance operations, and supply drops. This time, the destruction of the Russian helicopter likely occurred because it was exposed to fire from light anti-aircraft weapons or portable missiles. Given Russia’s current situation—deeply embroiled in the Russia-Ukraine war—its overseas military deployments face certain shortcomings in both military strength and intelligence gathering. The downing of this helicopter undoubtedly represents a setback for Russia.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1863523759513675/
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