Mali Tuareg Rebels Kill 80 Russians, Capture 15 in Clashes with Malian Forces and Wagner Mercenaries

Jul 27, 2024, 10:03 PM

In Mali, northern Tuareg rebels have reported significant clashes with Malian forces and Russian Wagner mercenaries near the Algerian border. Over two days of intense fighting, the rebels claim to have killed and injured dozens of soldiers and Wagner fighters, with reports indicating over 32 corpses and a total of 80 Russians killed. The Malian army reported losing two soldiers but claimed to have killed about 20 rebels. The clashes resulted in the loss of several military vehicles, including MRAP armored vehicles and a Mi-24 helicopter. Additionally, footage shows at least one Russian mercenary being taken captive, with reports suggesting a total of 15 captured. The administrator of the prominent Russian Telegram channel 'Grey Zone,' Nikita Fedyanin, was also reportedly killed in the ambush. Local reports suggest that Al-Qaeda’s JNIM group was involved in the attack, targeting fleeing Russians.