Could have been a Russian Su-24M: A warplane crashes in Mali

A combat aircraft returning from a combat mission crashed in Mali near the Niger River.

The General Staff of Mali reported that the aircraft was carrying out a mission in the interests of the Armed Forces of Mali, but did not belong directly to them.

“The warplane was returning from a mission in the interests of the Armed Forces of Mali in the eastern area of Operation DOUGOUKOLOKO,” the official statement said.

It is noted that the purpose of this operation, launched on April 25, 2025, is to “restore Malian state sovereignty throughout the country.”

The report also specifies that the plane was a two-seater. Both pilots were rescued and are currently in satisfactory condition and are receiving medical care.

The cause of the crash is said to be a sharp deterioration in weather conditions, in particular, a severe dust storm.

“Initial data indicate a sudden meteorological degradation, in particular a severe dust storm at the time of the accident,” the General Staff said.

According to preliminary information, the crash was caused by a Su-24M two-seat frontline bomber from the Russian “Africa Corps”.

Recently, the American aerospace company Maxar released satellite images showing the presence of Russian Su-24M in Mali.

Russian mercenaries from this formation are performing combat missions that the Russian Defense Ministry cannot involve regular army units in.

Today, Russia, seeking to expand its influence in Africa, is actively recruiting new mercenaries to replace the Wagner PMC group on the continent.

The so-called “Africa Corps” strengthens Russia’s military presence through a network of bases controlled by the Russian Ministry of Defense.

Moscow is trying to regain influence similar to the Cold War against the backdrop of weakening Western positions in the region.

This also allows the Kremlin to strengthen its control over its business network in Africa, particularly in the lucrative mining sector.

Recently, mercenaries of the Russian “Africa Corps” were ambushed by Azawad rebels in northern Mali.

Last year, a fire broke out at the base of Russian mercenaries from the Africa Corps in the Krasnodar region of Russia.