In a fierce confrontation in Mali’s Tabankort region, Russian mercenary group Wagner has been forced to retreat under heavy fire from African rebel fighters of the Coordination of Azawad Movements (CMA). The sustained rebel assaults resulted in significant casualties for Wagner, with several of their members killed, and armored vehicles falling into the hands of the insurgents.
After withdrawing from Ukraine, Wagner forces were deployed across various African nations to suppress rebel groups. However, they have struggled to withstand attacks from local armed factions, including anti-government forces.
Last year, Russia withdrew Wagner fighters from Ukraine, reassigning them to African countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. In these regions, Wagner mercenaries have been fighting alongside ruling regimes to suppress insurgencies, including jihadist groups like Al-Qaeda. Recently, Wagner has faced substantial losses due to rebel attacks in Mali.
CMA rebel spokesperson Mohamed Ramadane commented, “We have no enmity with Russia. They involved themselves in this conflict unnecessarily by deploying mercenaries to our region. We are fighting for our rights, and Russia has inserted itself into our struggle by sending these fighters.”
Reports from various organizations indicate that approximately 6,000 Russian mercenaries are currently deployed across Africa in several countries.
