Mali Rebels Kill 80 Wagner Mercenaries, 10 Soldiers Near Algerian Border

Jul 28, 2024, 06:21 AM

In Mali, northern Tuareg rebels and militants from Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM), an al-Qaeda affiliate, have claimed responsibility for a deadly ambush on a convoy consisting of Malian soldiers and Wagner Group mercenaries. The attack, which took place near the Algerian border around Tinzaouatine, resulted in the deaths of approximately 80 Wagner mercenaries and 10 Malian soldiers. The rebels also captured around 15 Wagner fighters and seized military equipment, including MRAP armored vehicles and a Mi-24 helicopter. Among the deceased were prominent Wagner figures, including the group's top commander Anton Elizarov, known by his callsign 'Lotus,' and Nikita Fedyanin, the administrator of the Wagner-associated Telegram channel 'Grey Zone.' The Malian army reported losing two soldiers while claiming to have killed 20 rebels. Reports indicate that 50 Wagner personnel were killed, and footage shows 32+ corpses.