At least 50 Malian soldiers are killed in an attack near the northern town of Anefis, according to multiple reports citing local and military officials. The assault occurs on Saturday as an army convoy leaves Anefis, after weeks of fighting between government forces and armed groups trying to gain control of territory. Sources describe the attackers as a mix of Tuareg separatists and jihadists. One report says fighters from the Tuareg separatist FLA and the Al-Qaeda-affiliated Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM) claim responsibility. Another report cites local sources saying dozens more soldiers are taken prisoner. The provisional toll is described as “extremely heavy,” with at least 24 prisoners mentioned in one account. A military source in one report says some soldiers are executed, and that an investigation is underway to assess tactical failures that leave troops vulnerable. The incident is described as the deadliest attack suffered by the Malian army in years. The reports also note Mali remains under military rule following coups in 2020 and 2021, amid ongoing separatist and jihadist unrest.