Several Killed as Separatists Clash with Malian Army, Russian Allies in Conflict-Hit North
Clashes in Mali result in casualties for both separatists and army. The Azawad separatists claim to have killed many Malians, while the army reports several separatist deaths. The situation emphasizes the ongoing conflict and challenges of the region, especially after Russia’s Wagner group announced its withdrawal.
BAMAKO, Mali — A clash between Malian security forces and an armed separatist group has resulted in significant casualties over the past two days. The Malian army reports that 10 separatists were killed during the fighting, while the Azawad separatists claim to have inflicted heavy losses on Malian troops, including members of a Russian-controlled military unit.
The violence erupted on Thursday during a military offensive in the northern Kidal region. According to the Malian military, a logistics convoy was ambushed the following day, but they managed to repel the attackers. The separatists claimed in their reports that they killed “dozens” of soldiers in the ambush, indicating a fierce confrontation took place.
The Azawad separatist movement has been seeking to establish an independent state in northern Mali for years. They previously expelled security forces from the area before a fragile peace deal in 2015 allowed some former rebels to join the Malian military. Mohamed Maouloud Ramadan, spokesperson for the Azawad separatists, stated that they seized various supplies during the ambush, including trucks carrying cereals and fuel.
Videos shared by the separatists depicted military trucks ablaze set against a backdrop of gunfire, with armed, hooded youths posing beside the wreckage. These visuals supposedly show casualties dressed in uniforms resembling those of the Malian army. However, it’s important to note that the Associated Press has not been able to verify the authenticity of these videos.
The recent clashes underscore the difficulties faced by security forces in Mali, particularly in the rugged Kidal region, as noted by Rida Lyammouri, a Sahel expert with the Policy Center for the New South. “Gathering actionable intelligence is challenging, which gives armed and jihadist groups a significant advantage,” Lyammouri remarked.
This violence comes just days after the Russian mercenary group Wagner announced its withdrawal from Mali following more than three years of support to Malian forces combating armed groups. Meanwhile, the African Corps, which is under the command of the Russian Ministry of Defense, remains active in the region. U.S. officials estimate that there are currently around 2,000 mercenaries in Mali, but the exact numbers affiliated with Wagner versus the Africa Corps remain unclear.
The recent clashes in Mali between the security forces and Azawad separatists illustrate the ongoing struggle and conflict in the region. The reported casualties highlight the severity of the situation, and challenging terrains add to the complexities faced by Malian forces. As Russia’s Wagner pulls out, the presence of the Africa Corps suggests that the dynamics may shift further in an already volatile landscape.
Original Source: www.newsday.com
