Wagner's losses in Mali

The Wagner Group has acknowledged significant losses in a recent clash with Tuareg rebels in Mali, reporting over 80 of its fighters killed during intense fighting from July 22 to 27 near the Mali-Algeria border. The group, alongside Malian soldiers, faced a well-coordinated ambush by jihadist militants, which was exacerbated by a sandstorm that allowed the attackers to regroup. Wagner's commander, Sergey Shevchenko, was among those killed, and the group indicated that additional forces were dispatched to support their troops under siege. Reports also suggest that the conflict resulted in the death of a prominent propagandist linked to Wagner and the destruction of military equipment, including a Mi-24 helicopter. Despite conflicting reports on the exact number of casualties, the scale of the losses has prompted calls for assistance from Wagner's command. The situation remains precarious as the group continues to operate in the region, facing challenges from both local and jihadist groups.