Russian-made ShOAB-0.5 Submunitions Found in Mali After Airstrikes (bellingcat.com)

• Unexploded Russian ShOAB-0.5 bomblets found in Tadjmart, northern Mali.
• Airstrikes by Malian military on May 17, 2026; Mali is CCM signatory.
• Evidence suggests Russian Africa Corps involvement.

"Bellingcat and Jeune Afrique geolocated footage showing unexploded Russian ShOAB-0.5 cluster bomblets in Tadjmart, northern Mali, following Malian Armed Forces (FAMa) airstrikes on May 17, 2026. Mali is a signatory to the Convention on Cluster Munitions, which bans such weapons. The submunitions are consistent with RBK-500 dispensers used by Russian aircraft. Russia's Africa Corps supports Mali; Mali lacks operational attack aircraft, suggesting Russian forces likely conducted the strike. The incident underscores the indiscriminate nature of cluster munitions and risks to civilians."