Rebels in Northern Mali Claimed to Have Killed Soldiers and Russian Mercenaries
Tuareg rebels in northern Mali reported that they had killed and injured soldiers aligned with the country’s military regime, as well as Russian mercenaries from the Wagner group. The fighting occurred near the Algerian border, where the Wagner group had arrived after the UN Security Council ended a peacekeeping mission in Mali.
Intense Fighting and Rebel Seizures
In response to the rebel attack in Tinzaouaten, the Malian army confirmed casualties, while the rebel coalition claimed to have captured vehicles and equipment. They also stated significant losses on the enemy’s side, with soldiers and mercenaries surrendering to the Tuareg rebels.
Background on Tuareg Rebels
The Tuareg rebels originate from the Sahara region and seek autonomy for the area known as Azawad in northern Mali due to feeling marginalized by the government. The ongoing conflict has roots in an uprising in 2012 and the continued struggle to combat Islamist insurgency in the region.
Although the veracity of the claims from both sides remains unverified, this recent clash marks a significant escalation in the conflict between the Tuareg rebels and the military forces in Mali.
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