Stories from Mali

Over 200 Malian military personnel have been deployed to Kidal. This deployment is part of ongoing efforts related to the hydration of the Asawa region. Rebels had previously captured around twenty Malian soldiers and Russians in 2023.

FLA rebels claim to have captured over two dozen Malian soldiers and Russians. A video shows dozens of Malian soldiers in civilian clothes. The rebels previously captured about twenty Malian soldiers and Russians in 2023 and 2024.

A source reported that Timbuktu was "almost completely revealed," with listeners encouraged to view accompanying photographs.

Sources indicate an impression that Malian President Goïta intends to repeat actions he has taken previously. The specific nature of these past or intended actions was not detailed in the broadcast.

Governments in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso are taking power, supported by populations who are tired of corrupt leaders. French and UN peacekeeping forces are being pushed out of these countries, as they are perceived to have consistently supported the corrupt leaders.

The situation on the ground is described as extremely complex due to the collapse of Kidal and the possibility of other cities, such as Gao, also collapsing.

Al Jazeera reported that Mali's leader is in a safe location in New Juan and maintains command of the army. China's local judiciary has advised Chinese citizens to temporarily avoid traveling to Mali.

Several dozen cargo trucks were set on fire on Wednesday on routes connecting Mali's capital, Bamako, to Guinea, Senegal, Mauritania, and Côte d'Ivoire. The incidents occurred in the zones of Gogi, Diema, Kenyoro, and Bougouni.

Units of Ukrainian military intelligence (GUR) are operating in coordination with Tuareg rebels, according to a French security source. These units include dozens of former Ukrainian legionnaires who are French speakers. France is leveraging its pool of Ukrainian military personnel who have served in the French Foreign Legion. The independentist Tuareg rebels aim to weaken a pro-Russian junta, which the source described as not favorable to France.

The city of Kidal is experiencing a slowdown in activity due to food shortages and a lack of public services. All schools in the city are currently closed, with the exception of Quranic schools. The Malian administration and teachers have withdrawn from the area.