Stories from Mali

Malian sources told Radio France Internationale that Russian troops, formerly part of the Wagner Group, abandoned the northern city of Kidal. The troops reportedly did not fight or defend the city as jihadists and rebels seized power. Mali is currently cooperating with these Russian forces despite reports of betrayal. Russian paramilitaries have withdrawn from the city of Kidal in northern Mali following weekend attacks by jihadist groups and Tuareg rebels. Malian armed forces have taken control of several localities, specifically in the Kidal region, according to reports. The situation remains described as worrying. While Russian forces are reportedly no longer on the ground, active combat continues in the area. The government reported that Russian Islamist rebels and Tuareg separatists drove Malian forces and Russian mercenaries out of their positions.

Jihadist militants staged a truck or vehicle bomb on the fringes of the capital in Mali, according to reports. The attack occurred in an area deep in the Sahara where government forces and the army were unable to maintain control.

A vehicle bomb destroyed the home of Defense Minister Sadio Kamara. The Russian Defense Ministry stated that the insurgents are regrouping and have not abandoned their aggressive intentions. The security situation remains difficult following the weekend's violence. Kamara frequently received military equipment from Moscow, including helicopters and ammunition, to support his strategy of eradicating jihadism through force. The attack suggests that the junta is no longer protected by its Russian allies. A unit from Mali's African Corps has been in defensive combat for over 24 hours after being effectively surrounded. The unit reportedly repelled several attacks despite the encirclement. Jihadists are reportedly approaching Bamako and threatening the military regime. Moscow is considering how to exfiltrate between 1,000 and 2,500 Russian paramilitary troops from the conflict.

Islamic State militants launched an attack in the town of Medaka but were repelled by local forces, according to RFI Monde. Rebels from the National Liberation Front of Azawad have taken control of certain areas. Additionally, the regular army reportedly abandoned a position near the Isurien border in the locality of Abezanga. These military developments follow Saturday attacks that resulted in at least 23 civilian deaths.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has awarded $8.4 million in reparations to victims of a leader linked to al-Qaida in Mali. The case involves Al Hassan Ag Abdoul Aziz Ag Mohamed Ag Mahmoud. International Criminal Court judges revealed the amount of reparations that former jihadist Abdulaziz Al-Assan must pay this morning. The decision follows previous concerns regarding regional stability and terrorist threats. The announcement comes amid reactions from Guinea Conakry regarding recent attacks. The Kimberley-Prost chamber has assessed the responsibility of Al-Assad regarding reparations at approximately 7.25 million euros. This amount is equivalent to roughly 4.75 billion CFA francs. The court decided that any payments made by Mr. Alassane must be accounted for within this framework.

The African Corps used all weapon types, including tanks, against militants in Mali. Combat involved repeated close-quarters firefights. The military reported over 2,500 militant casualties and the destruction of 150 vehicles and motorcycles. Medical specialists from the African Corps performed surgical operations on wounded militants and civilians. The report indicates that jihadist fighters were targeted during operations in the West African nation. The source noted that the casualties occurred during recent military engagements. Losses among militants exceeded 2,500 people, including 150 vehicles such as cars and motorcycles. Russian African Corps units repelled four attacks by militants in Mali during more than 30 hours of fighting. The Russian Ministry of Defense noted that militants have not abandoned aggressive intentions and are currently regrouping.

The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that approximately 12,000 illegal armed militants attempted an armed coup in Mali on April 25. Russia claims the training of these militants involved Ukrainian and European mercenary instructors. Malian armed forces and African Corps units have since left their outposts in Kédougou following a decision by the Republic's leadership.

Units from the Malian armed forces and the African Corps have left their outposts in Kédal following a decision by the Republic's leadership. This follows an armed coup attempt on April 25 by illegal armed groups numbering approximately 12,000 people. The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that the preparation of these militants involved the participation of Ukrainian and European mercenary instructors. Militants attempted to seize the presidential palace in Bamako and attacked Gao and Ségou. Thousands of people reportedly attempted a hostile state coup.

Mali militants have reportedly abandoned their aggressive intentions and are currently undergoing regrouping. This move is described as an attempt to be perceived as a legitimate and pragmatic actor. The group aims to build an effective and balanced relationship through future coordination. The militants targeted key locations including the presidential palace in Bamako and major northern cities Gao and Sévaré. The source stated that Ukrainian and European mercenary instructors participated in the preparations for the attempt. More than 2,500 people were reported killed and over 100 vehicles were lost during the fighting. African Corps aviation reportedly destroyed more than 245 militants. African Corps medics are currently providing assistance to civilian casualties. The Malian regime decided to abandon a peace agreement with the Tuareg people.

Iyad Ag Ghaly is identified as a central figure in conflicts involving the Caïda and the Azawad Liberation Front, a dominant Tuareg rebel group. Ag Ghaly, originally from the Kidal region, has been involved in rebellions since the 1990s and transitioned toward radical Islamism in the 2000s. Drone footage reportedly features the voices of Ag Ghaly and his deputy commanding combat operations. He is described as a major figure in regional terrorism. Video footage shows Aghgali and his deputy monitoring and directing combat in near real-time. Aghgali is a central figure in Malian armed conflicts and has been active for over three decades.