Mali Junta Receives Russian Jets and Helicopter

Mali has received five military jets and a combat helicopter from Russia – a close ally in its fight against a jihadist insurgency.

At a ceremony for the handover, Defence Minister Sadio Camara paid tribute to what he called Mali’s win-win partnership with Russia.

The Malian presidency tweeted images of the military equipment.

Ties between the two countries have grown since a coup in May last year.

That second military take-over in just over a year plus Mali’s decision to hire Russian mercenaries were key reasons why France chose to pull its troops out of the country.

However, jihadist attacks have increased in recent weeks.

Over the weekend, Islamist militants shot dead 17 soldiers and four civilians.

The army said nine other troops were missing and 22 soldiers were injured in the attack.

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