FLA-JNIM Coalition Launches Countrywide Offensive — Simultaneous Attacks on Gao, Aguelhok, and Anéfis (July 4, 2026)

The Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) and JNIM, operating in tactical coalition since their joint seizure of Kidal in late April, launched a new offensive across northern Mali beginning around 5:30 a.m. on July 4, 2026, striking three targets simultaneously: the FAMa/Africa Corps military base in Gao city, and the last two government-held towns in Kidal Region — Aguelhok and Anéfis. FAMa and Africa Corps forces repelled the attacks on Gao and Aguelhok. The most intense fighting concentrated on Anéfis, a strategically critical waypoint on the Kidal-Bourem-Gao supply route and one of the last government positions in northern Kidal following the April offensive. FLA claimed to have shot down two helicopters and destroyed a Malian reinforcement convoy dispatched from Gao, and asserted full control of the Anéfis base — claims that international monitors classified as only partially verified and low-confidence pending independent confirmation. The Malian military acknowledged attacks at all three locations but said it had repelled the assaults, producing competing narratives about who controlled Anéfis in the offensive's opening days. Sustained clashes around Anéfis continued for approximately six days before a Malian/Africa Corps counter-operation (see July 6–8 airstrike campaign).