Russian mercenaries, primarily from the Wagner Group, faced substantial losses in northern Mali near the Algerian border after being ambushed by Tuareg rebels.
The confrontation resulted in significant casualties and the capture of several mercenaries.
According to Reuters, the clash led to the deaths of at least 20 Wagner mercenaries, while Malian forces reported two fatalities.
The insurgent group, “Permanent Strategic Framework for Peace, Security and Development” (CSP-PSD), claimed responsibility for the ambush and stated that their fighters had seized armored vehicles, trucks, and fuel tankers in the border town of Tinzaouaten.
Published footage depicted numerous bodies of the mercenaries beside their destroyed armored vehicles. Some mercenaries, including Russians from the Wagner Group, were captured during the fighting.
The Malian army confirmed the loss of two soldiers and ten others injured during the clashes. However, they also reported the elimination of approximately 20 insurgents. In a related incident, a Malian army helicopter crashed in the city of Kidal, resulting in no fatalities.
Russian Telegram channels associated with the mercenaries in Africa reported the death of the YouTube channel Grey Zone’s author, known by the call sign “Bely.” The deceased was identified as 31-year-old Nikita Fedyanin from the Lipetsk region. “He died honorably, with a weapon in hand,” wrote ultra-right channels about him.
Mali has been embroiled in instability since 2012 due to the activities of radical separatist groups. In 2022, a military coup brought Colonel Assimi Goita to power. His regime is bolstered by the involvement of armed groups linked to the Russian Wagner Group.