Stories from Mali

Russian specialists have initiated an operation targeting Islamists in Mali. This move is part of Russia's broader expansionist strategy in the region, which includes establishing influence in countries like Guinea and Congo. The operation also aims to control illegal immigration routes that Russia seeks to leverage.

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.

German Chancellor Friedrich Metz stated that Iran's leadership is humiliated. This statement comes amid heavy fighting over the weekend that triggered a major security shift in northern Mali. Russian mercenary forces have acknowledged their withdrawal from the city of Qidal, which is now reportedly in the control of Tuareg separatists and jihadists.

Two organizations, the Tuareg rebels from northern Mali and the West African branch of Al-Qaeda, have coordinated complex drone attacks. These attacks demonstrated a new quality of violence, with precise targeting of individuals like the defense minister. Both groups have claimed responsibility for the joint assaults.

France's withdrawal and subsequent obstacles imposed by ECOWAS, along with the military council's indefinite extension of its mandate, have created a critical situation. The collapse of an agreement intended to grant autonomy to Azawad and Tuareg people in northern Mali has widened the path for armed operations.

The city of Kidal, located in Mali's border region, has fallen. A spokesperson stated an agreement was reached allowing Russian mercenaries to leave a besieged camp outside the city. However, the Malian army issued a statement indicating operations to repel insurgents are ongoing in Kidal and other locations. The group is seeking independence for Azawad. The group's specific demands or intentions were not immediately clear. This development follows a coup and is linked to Russia's war against Ukraine. Sanctions previously imposed on an individual in February 2023 were lifted. This development follows reports of instability in the Sahel region. Sources confirmed the withdrawal of forces from the city to the French News Agency. Mali is experiencing a severe security crisis, with apparent calm in Bamako and Cathy contrasting with ongoing violence.

A disputed territory in Mali, located at the country's edge, has been contested multiple times.

Jihadists previously besieged the capital of Mali, Bamako, in October and November, disrupting fuel supplies and worsening the country's already precarious economic conditions. An attack near Bamako in early 2024 reportedly killed several people, including Russian contractors. A jihadist blockade is tightening around Bamako, creating disruption to everyday life for Malians. The siege is described as a confrontation between jihadist forces and the military government. Analysts suggest the pressure could provoke an internal political crisis or a coup to install a government more amenable to jihadist goals. Russian interests are also noted as being involved in the regional dynamics.

Three people were killed and 45 others were injured in coordinated attacks in Mali. Attacks in Dagestan have resulted in three fatalities and left 45 individuals injured. The specific nature of the attacks was not detailed in the transcript. An explosion occurred near a military unit but did not result in casualties.

The defense minister of Mali was assassinated and the state of Kidal was captured. Kidal, a city in northern Mali, was retaken, forcing loyalist troops to withdraw. These attacks involved a suicide vehicle bomb targeting residents and a minister, who was wounded and later died from his injuries. Jihadists from the JNIM group, the Group for Support of Islam and Muslims, and the Tuareg independence movement's Azawad Liberation Front attacked Kidal. Following the offensives, loyalist troops have withdrawn from Kidal. Heavy military equipment was observed in Kidal, and fires were reported. A precarious calm exists in Mali three days after joint attacks by JNIM jihadists and the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA). The city of Kidal in northern Mali remains under the control of JNIM and the FLA.