While BBC Verify has previously confirmed footage showing the unit carrying out air strikes against the rebel forces, the Africa Corps has struggled to halt their advance across the north of the country. But Charlie Werb, an analyst with Aldebaran Threat Consultants, said the new shipment could help Malian and Russian forces to build up enough strength to launch offensives into areas which have fallen to the rebels. It was carrying a variety of military vehicles - including general purpose trucks, BTR-style armoured personnel carriers and light-infantry vehicles - according to experts who analysed satellite photos taken before it left Baltiysk port. According to Malian state TV, the vehicles were then transported across Togo and through Burkina Faso - which is also ruled by a military junta backed by Moscow. The government in Togo has been deepening ties with the Kremlin and signed a military cooperation agreement with Moscow late last year.