Mali Rebels Claim Killing Dozens of Soldiers, Wagner Mercenaries

Tuareg rebels in northern Mali have claimed responsibility for killing and injuring dozens of Malian soldiers and Wagner mercenaries during a two-day fighting near the Algerian border.

The clashes occurred in Tinzaouaten on Thursday and Friday, according to the rebel group, the Permanent Strategic Framework for Peace, Security and Development (CSP-PSD).

The rebel group stated on Saturday that they seized military vehicles and equipment, including armoured vehicles and tankers.

CSP-PSD also mentioned that they damaged a Malian military helicopter, which later crashed in Kidal, a town far from the initial conflict site.

In contrast, the Malian army had reported that 2 of its soldiers were killed and 10 were injured, while the army killed 20 of the rebels. Nonetheless, they confirmed a helicopter crash in Kidal during a routine mission but stated that there were no casualties.

Russian Telegram channels in contact with Wagner said that at least 20 Wagner mercenaries were killed during an ambush near the Algerian border. The Baza Telegram news channel, which has connections to Russian security services, supported these claims, noting the involvement of Wagner mercenary personnel in the region since 2021.

In a separate statement on Sunday, the CSP-PSD said they had “annihilated” the enemy (Malian army) backed by Wagner. The rebel group claimed they had captured some soldiers and mercenaries who survived the battle. The group also reported 7 of its fighters killed and 12 wounded.

The Tuareg, an ethnic group in the Sahara region, including northern Mali, began their rebellion against Mali in 2012. Although a peace deal was signed in 2015, the CSP-PSD withdrew from negotiations at the end of 2022.

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