IS-Sahel Fighters Seize Military Position in Ménaka Amid Ongoing Clashes

Ménaka Region, April 6, 2026 - Armed violence intensified in northeastern Mali after fighters from the Islamic State in the Sahel reportedly took control of a military position inside the city of Ménaka. According to local sources, the position was jointly held by Malian Armed Forces, Russian personnel from the African Corps, and members of the Movement for the Salvation of Azawad (MSA) militia. The attack reportedly took place near the Tinfadimata exit on Monday afternoon, April 6, 2026. Witness accounts and local reporting indicate that the assault resulted in casualties and material losses among Malian and allied forces, though exact figures have not been independently verified. No immediate official statement was released by Malian authorities regarding the reported loss of the position. The incident underscores the continued volatility in the Ménaka region, where armed groups remain active despite ongoing military operations and joint security deployments.