Stories from Gao · Mali

The Russian Defense Ministry has acknowledged the loss of soldiers during its attacks in northern Mali. The ministry did not specify the number of casualties. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov also declined to provide specific figures regarding the losses.

Reports indicate field coordination between certain Azawad factions and Nasratite groups in Mali. This coordination involves activities near the Niger border. The security crisis in the region is escalating following attacks on various sites.

Military forces have abandoned an isolated forward position on the border with Niger. The troops retreated 100 km north to their logistics base in Antesongo. The Antesongo base is better secured and features an airport closer to the regional capital, Gao.

Mali military forces have retreated 100 kilometers north to a more secure logistics base. The new base is equipped with an airport and is located closer to the regional capital, Gao.

Elements of the so-called Africa Legion, a paramilitary group under the Malian Ministry of Defense, have withdrawn from the town of Gao. The withdrawal follows an agreement with Tuareg militants. The security situation remains unstable as rumors circulate regarding President Assimi Goïta, who has not issued a statement since fighting began.

A man had his hand amputated in Gao, Mali, on Sunday. The punishment followed an attempt to steal a motorcycle. The incident occurred in a region where radical interpretations of Sharia law are in effect.

The Malian army is retreating from multiple cities in the Gao province, including Gao city. An al-Qaeda affiliate claims it allowed Malian forces to surrender their weapons and leave safely. This move follows the withdrawal of Russian mercenaries from the northern town of Qidal. Mali is one of the most impoverished countries in the world, and many residents are terrified by the ongoing fighting. Jihadist groups killed the Minister of Defense and Youth, General Sadio Kamara. The Malian presidency released photos of an interview with President Assimi Goïta, who had been unseen since Saturday's attacks. The Malian army has abandoned an isolated forward position on the border with Niger to avoid losing more forces. Soldiers reportedly retreated 100 km north to the Antesongo logistics base. This base is better secured, features an airport, and is closer to the regional capital, Gao.

Malian armed forces reported killing hundreds of terrorists during operations to counter multiple attacks across several locations. The military stated that the current security situation is under complete control. Authorities in the Gao region issued a statement on April 25 implementing a curfew from 19:30 to 04:00. The military has called on citizens to remain calm and vigilant during these operations.

Separatist Azawad forces announced the capture of Gao, a key city in northern Mali, during a recent offensive. Azawad rebels announced full control over the city of Gao on Saturday. The Malian army acknowledged the fall of the city and reported casualties among its ranks. Washington and the African Union have warned that the region may slide into cross-border chaos following the withdrawal of UN forces. The vacuum left by UN troop withdrawals since 2023 has facilitated this repositioning. Rebels from the Azawad Liberation Front have taken control of a city and several other localities within the same region. Malian regular army forces and Russian mercenaries have reportedly vacated the area. The source cited suspicions of betrayal by Russian allies regarding the withdrawal. The takeover occurs amid ongoing violence and instability in the region.