Tuareg rebels in Mali claimed to have killed and injured dozens of soldiers and Wagner mercenaries in recent clashes near the Algerian border. The rebel movement, CSP-PSD, reported seizing armoured vehicles and causing a helicopter to crash in Kidal. The Malian army confirmed the death of two soldiers and 10 injuries, along with the helicopter crash in Kidal.
Russian military bloggers alleged that at least 20 Wagner fighters were killed in the clashes. Wagner, known for its involvement in conflicts like Ukraine, faced uncertainty after its leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, died in a plane crash.
Mali, dealing with political instability and Islamist insurgency, denied the presence of Wagner mercenaries but acknowledged Russian trainers in the country. The Tuareg, feeling marginalized by the government, have a history of conflict and signed a peace agreement with Mali in 2015.
Despite the ongoing unrest, CSP-PSD withdrew from peace talks in 2022. The situation in Mali remains complex and continues to attract international attention.
Reuters