Russian mercenaries suffer heavy losses in Mali clash

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.

- ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW -

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.

If you would like to show your support for what we are doing, here's where to do it.

If you wish to report grammatical or factual errors within our news articles, you can let us know by using the online feedback form.

Executive Editor

About author:

Dylan Malyasov
Dylan Malyasov
Dylan Malyasov is the editor-in-chief of Defence Blog. He is a journalist, an accredited defense advisor, and a consultant. His background as a defense advisor and consultant adds a unique perspective to his journalistic endeavors, ensuring that his reporting is well-informed and authoritative. read more

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

TRENDING NOW

Russian missiles fall on home soil during strike on Ukraine

During a recent missile strike targeting Ukraine, several Russian cruise missiles once again ended up falling on Russian territory. On November 28, malfunctioning missiles launched...