This UGC image verified by AFP on May 2, 2026 and posted on the X account of the Moscow-controlled Africa Corps paramilitary group and shared on social media on May 1, 2026, shows a helicopter flying over a convoy of tanker trucks heading towards Mali's capital Bamako. Mali, France's former colony, has been plunged into a major security crisis after a Tuareg-dominated rebel alliance and jihadists joined forces to carry out deadly attacks against the ruling junta and its Russian paramilitary backers. (Photo by -UGC / Africa Corps / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE MANDATORY CREDIT « AFP PHOTO / [AFRICA CORPS] » - NO RESALE NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS [- NO ARCHIVE ] / AFPTV TEAMS IN PARIS WERE ABLE TO VERIFY THE LOCATION OF THE PHOTO USING SATELLITE IMAGES (GPS COORDINATES 12.325026843256873, -7.929652905737346). THE PHOTO WAS TAKEN ON NATIONAL ROAD 7 LEADING TO BAMAKO IN MALI. WE HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO CONTACT THE AUTHOR OF THE PHOTO.