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Tuareg separatists from the CSP-PSD alliance claimed a significant victory over Mali’s army and their Russian allies after three days of intense fighting in the Tinzaouatene district on the Algerian border. The separatists stated that they “obliterated” enemy columns, seized a large amount of equipment and weapons, and took prisoners during the battle, resulting in the deaths of seven rebels and injuries to 12 others. The conflict arose after Mali’s military rulers, supported by Russian mercenaries from the Wagner Group, clashed with the Tuareg separatists who have been fighting for independence since 2012.

Reports indicate that the CSP-PSD forces also damaged a helicopter that crashed in Kidal, a rebel stronghold. The Malian army confirmed the deaths of two soldiers and injuries to 10 others during the fighting. There are claims that Russian Wagner fighters were involved in the conflict, with reports from local sources suggesting that at least 20 of them were killed or captured by the separatist forces. The Malian government has denied that Russian forces in the country are mercenaries, stating that they are trainers assisting local troops with Russian-made equipment.

The conflict in Mali has also been marked by allegations of human rights abuses by both the Malian army and Russian forces, with rebels associated with terrorist groups like al-Qaeda and ISIL also contributing to the violence since 2012. The situation remains tense in the region as reports of military casualties and engagement with separatist forces continue to emerge.

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