Russian-Made Drones Deployed in Mali Conflict, New Footage Reveals Attacks

Bellingcat has confirmed the deployment of Shahed-136 type kamikaze drones in northern Mali through verified footage and geolocation analysis. The organization's investigation corroborates earlier reports by Defence Blog and France 24 that Russian military support for Mali includes advanced drone technology used in combat operations.

The recent attacks, which occurred on July 12 and July 17, targeted the villages of Inafarak and Talahandak respectively. While specific details about the exact variants of the drones remain unclear, experts consulted by Bellingcat suggest that these unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were likely manufactured in Russia due to the involvement of Kremlin-controlled entities like the Africa Corps group.

Leo Jarry, a drone expert from Tungsten Strategies, emphasized the significance of this deployment: "If the drones are indeed Russian-made, they serve as a clear demonstration of Moscow's support for Mali’s military operations." This marks a notable escalation in Russia's strategic involvement in the Sahel region and its broader geopolitical interests.

Reports of Russian drone activity in Mali first surfaced in May when Defence Blog published photographs of drone wreckage near Savare. France 24 later identified debris from several Russian drones, indicating an expanding presence of such technology in the conflict zone. However, until now, there had been no verified footage showing these drones in action or their impact on targets.

Mali has faced ongoing instability since a rebellion erupted in its northern regions in 2012. In recent years, Russia's military support for Mali has intensified through entities like the Wagner Group and subsequently the Africa Corps. This assistance aims to bolster the Malian Armed Forces (FAMa) against Tuareg rebel groups and jihadist organizations.

The latest verified footage of drone strikes comes from X (formerly Twitter). On July 12, a video showing the aftermath of an attack in Inafarak was published. Bellingcat geolocated this footage using satellite imagery to confirm its accuracy. The analysis revealed that several buildings had been destroyed since pre-attack images were captured in 2024.

The damage observed aligns with reports indicating a strike on a commercial facility, including damaged trucks and fuel drums. Additionally, the remains of an engine found at the scene match those of the Shahed-136 family of drones, as confirmed by weapons experts Trevor Ball and Leo Jarry.

This deployment underscores Russia's growing influence in Mali and highlights the evolving nature of military technology in contemporary conflicts. The use of kamikaze drones represents a significant tactical shift that could alter the dynamics of the ongoing conflict in the Sahel region.