Less than a week after regaining control of Anéfis in northern Mali, Malian armed forces and their Russian mercenary allies faced a devastating ambush on Saturday.

The return of Malian troops to Anéfis did not translate into lasting security. Barely ten days after firmly reestablishing military presence in this northern locality, a convoy fell victim to a premeditated attack in the same area.

The Russian fighters embedded with Malian soldiers were also targeted. This incident underscores the persistent fragility of security in northern Mali, where jihadist factions continue to pose a significant threat despite recent military operations.

The surge in such attacks raises critical questions about the long-term sustainability of Malian forces and their auxiliaries in holding recaptured territories. In this contested region, maintaining control over terrain and protecting key routes remain an ongoing challenge.