On October 2, a large convoy of the Malian army left the Gao base towards the Kidal region, attracting everyone’s attention. While the precise objective of this offensive has not been officially confirmed by the Malian authorities, numerous images are circulating on social networks to illustrate these troop movements. However, it is important to remain critical of this content, as some images have been taken out of context and may be confusing.
Among these images, a photo widely shared on Facebook shows a long line of military vehicles advancing on a track. According to the accompanying comments, this would involve the deployment of the Malian armed forces. However, a more in-depth analysis allows us to conclude that this image actually shows French equipment, in particular a VAB (armored front vehicle), a recognizable French armored vehicle with its specific equipment. In addition, the vehicle’s registration plate features a combination typical of the French army. This photo was actually taken during the disengagement of Operation Barkhane from the Timbuktu base in November 2021.
Likewise, another image showing a line of pick-up trucks advancing in the desert, some in the colors of Azawad, also circulated on social networks. This image was used to support the Tuareg cause and illustrate alleged recent troop movements. However, this photo is actually from February 2023 and has no connection to current events.
It is therefore essential to be vigilant when consuming information on social networks, especially when it comes to sensitive subjects such as military movements. Images can easily be taken out of context and used for manipulation or disinformation. It is better to consult reliable and verified sources to get a clear idea of the situation.
In conclusion, it is important to be wary of images circulating on social networks to illustrate military events. In this case, photos have been taken out of context to illustrate the deployment of the Malian army in Kidal, when in reality, they show French equipment and date from earlier periods. Vigilance and the use of reliable sources of information are essential to form an informed opinion on current events.