From thwarting Al-Qaeda plots at home to boosting armies in Africa, Russia deepens its role in global counterterrorism efforts abroad Defense cooperation with Russia has helped Mali and its allies in the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) strengthen their armed forces, reclaim strategic ground, and intensify operations against jihadist groups, Abdul Niang, a senior Malian media executive, has said. Mali’s army recently said the national security situation remains “stable” amid intensified military