Tuareg Separatists Claim Victory Over Malian Army and Russian Allies
A coalition of Tuareg separatists has declared a significant triumph over Mali’s army and its Russian backers after intense battles lasting three days near the Algerian border.
Spokesperson Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadane stated that enemy columns were decisively defeated on Saturday, with a large amount of equipment and weapons captured or destroyed. Seven rebels were killed, and 12 wounded in the Tinzaouatene district clashes.
The conflict arose after Mali’s military government turned to Russia’s Wagner Group for security support in 2020. The Tuareg, striving for independence since 2012, have been engaged in large-scale fighting with Mali’s army in Tinzaouatene.
Reports suggest white soldiers, allegedly Wagner fighters, were among the captured prisoners. The conflict underscores the complexity of Mali’s security situation, with accusations of rights violations by Wagner forces and ongoing violence involving rebel groups.
The Tuareg separatists’ recent success may indicate outside support, potentially involving the French military and regional armed groups with ties to al-Qaeda.
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