In Mali’s volatile Sahel region, a Malian Armed Forces (FAMa) fighter jet made an emergency landing in the Gao River on Saturday, June 14, 2025, while returning from an eastern mission under Operation DOUGOUKOLOKO. Military officials attributed the crash to severe weather conditions, including a strong sandstorm that disrupted landing efforts.

Despite the aircraft being badly damaged, both pilots survived and were quickly evacuated to military medical facilities for treatment. The army has launched an investigation into the incident, emphasizing that it will not hinder ongoing military operations.

The emergency landing occurred amid heavy fighting in the Kidal region. From June 12 to 13, FAMa reportedly targeted terrorist groups in Anéfis and Anomalan, neutralizing around ten fighters and destroying several vehicles. However, the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) has disputed the army’s version, claiming instead to have dealt a major blow to FAMa and its Africa Corps allies, seizing war equipment and causing significant casualties.