Islamic State in the Sahel Claims Complex Attack on Malian Army and Russian Forces

Menaka, January 29, 2026 - A joint patrol of the Malian army and the Russian Africa Corps was targeted in a complex attack in the Menaka region of northern Mali on January 29, 2026. According to a statement from the Islamic State in the Sahel (IS-Sahel), a first unit was ambushed near Agarmbaw, followed by an attack on a reinforcement patrol near Tin Fadimata. The jihadist group claims the operation caused at least 20 dead and wounded among the Malian and Russian forces. Local sources report that the attackers also used suicide drones during the assault. They further indicate that the Islamic State in the Sahel controls nearly 90% of the Menaka region, with all districts in the area under its influence or effective control since 2022.