On 18 May 2026, footage circulated online displaying debris from a OWA Garpiya-A1 UAV (Harpy-A1) near Sevare, Mopti Cercle, Mali. The UAV was reportedly used to strike Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) units. Sources state the UAV was operated by Africa Corps, which falls under the Russian Ministry of Defence. Sevare is a strategic logistics and military hub which hosts one of Mali’s major airbases.
The Garpiya-A1 UAV is Russia’s domestically produced version of the Iranian Shahed 136 (Geran 2), manufactured by state-owned company Izhevsk Electromechanical Plant (IEMZ Kupol). According to reports, approximately 500 Garpiya-A1 UAVs were used monthly in Ukraine during 2025, with 2,500 manufactured between July 2023-2025. This has provided large-scale operational testing before the UAVs apparent deployment with Africa Corps personnel in Mali.
For further information on the Garpiya-A1 UAV, please contact EWS.
Event ID: 20189
Image Source: @eod205 (X)
Whether you are a government; operating in the defence sector; a global organisation; working in national and domestic security; or are a commercial business, you can rely on EWS to provide you with unbiased and honest advice.
