Ukraine’s intelligence accused of supporting attacks in Mali: Reports
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Malian media reports expose Ukraine’s intelligence aiding terrorists in attacks against the Malian army, supplying drones and coordinating operations.
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A United Nations peacekeeper stands guard at the entrance to a polling station covered in separatist flags and graffiti supporting the creation of the independent state of Azawad, in Kidal, Mali, on Sunday, July 28, 2013 (AP, File)
Ukraine’s intelligence service has been accused of directly aiding terrorist groups operating in Mali, according to reports by local media outlets citing the Malian army.
The accusations include providing training, equipment, and coordination for attacks on Malian military positions.
During a recent counterterrorism operation, Malian forces reportedly discovered documents linked to Kiev’s intelligence services, along with a drone bearing Ukrainian-language inscriptions, according to the Faso news portal.
The findings, the report stated, suggest the involvement of foreign military entities in supporting and supplying the militants.
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Coordination with al-Qaeda-linked JNIM
In the same context, the Bamada news portal reported that Ukrainian intelligence has been actively cooperating with Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), a terrorist organization linked to al-Qaeda.
According to the report, Ukrainian operatives provided logistical and tactical support, including drones fitted with Ukraine-made drop systems, and participated in direct attacks using FPV drones.
These operations allegedly targeted positions of the Malian army and were coordinated in collaboration with local armed factions.
Arms transfers through Mauritania
In addition, Faso also reported that Kiev supplied Ukrainian-made Mavic 3 drones to the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA), a rebel coalition in Mali. The equipment reportedly entered Mali through Mauritania and was partly transferred to JNIM.
Bamada cited sources familiar with the case, saying that Ukraine’s embassy in Nouakchott, Mauritania, played a central role in the transfer of both personnel and military hardware to support the militants.
Large-scale operation reported in Kidal Province
The reports further claim that a large-scale militant operation is being prepared in Mali’s Kidal province. According to Faso, the offensive will involve both the FLA and JNIM, with support from foreign military instructors, including individuals from France and Ukraine.
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