Several Killed as Separatists Clash With Malian Army, Russian…

In recent clashes in northern Mali, at least 10 separatists were killed in confrontations with Malian military forces, while the separatists claim they have killed dozens of soldiers. The fighting began following a military offensive in Kidal and highlights ongoing challenges for security forces in the region. The situation is further complicated by the reported departure of the Wagner Group and the presence of another Kremlin-affiliated force in Mali.

In Mali, clashes between the Malian security forces and armed separatists have left a notable impact, according to officials. The fighting in the northern Kidal region unfolded over two days, resulting in the deaths of at least ten separatists, as reported by the Malian army. In stark contrast, the Azawad separatist group claims that they have killed dozens of Malian soldiers along with personnel from a Kremlin-affiliated military force in these violent encounters.

The escalation followed a military offensive initiated by the Malian army in Kidal on Thursday. Reports indicate that the Malian military logistics convoy was ambushed the next day, although the attack was eventually turned back. This ambush adds to the already tense situation, highlighting the ongoing conflict in the region.

The Azawad separatists have long been engaged in efforts to establish an independent state in the northern part of Mali. Historically, they effectively expelled security forces from the area before a 2015 peace agreement was reached—one that has since unraveled, failing to fully integrate former rebels into the national military.

Mohamed Maouloud Ramadan, the spokesman for the Azawad separatists, mentioned that they recovered numerous goods, including trucks loaded with cereals, diesel tankers, and military vehicles, during this skirmish, while acknowledging the loss of three of their own members. The separatists also shared videos online that depicted military trucks ablaze across expansive desert landscapes, with young armed men evidently celebrating in front of the wreckage. However, it is essential to note that the authenticity of these videos remains unverified by independent sources.

Experts like Rida Lyammouri, who studies the situation in the Sahel region, emphasize that the operational challenges faced by security forces in Mali’s rugged terrains significantly complicate their efforts. “It’s difficult to gather actionable intelligence to protect their convoys, and this gives a significant advantage to armed and jihadist groups,” he explained, underscoring the difficulties of intelligence-gathering in such environments.

Adding to the chaos, just days before these clashes, Russia’s Wagner Group—a mercenary organization that had bolstered Malian forces in their fight against militants—announced its departure from the country. However, the African Corps, which operates under the command of the Russian defense ministry, has confirmed its commitment to remain in Mali despite these uncertainties. Current estimates suggest approximately 2,000 mercenaries are present in Mali, though the precise distribution between Wagner and the African Corps remains unclear.

As the situation in Mali continues to evolve, the violence in Kidal indicates the persistent challenges for both the Malian government and international forces amid a turbulent landscape, marked by ongoing conflict and sovereignty struggles.

The situation in Mali is both complex and dangerous. Recent clashes in Kidal between the Malian army and separatists highlight ongoing tensions, with both sides incurring significant losses. The withdrawal of the Wagner Group adds uncertainty, while armed groups continue to assert their presence. The challenges for Malian forces underscore the difficulty of maintaining security in such a conflict-ridden region, as illustrated by these recent events.

Original Source: www.newsday.com