Tuareg Separatists Claim Victory Over Malian Forces

A coalition of Tuareg separatists has declared a significant victory over Mali's army and Russian Wagner Group forces following three days of intense fighting near the Algerian border. Spokesman Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadane announced that their forces 'decisively obliterated' enemy columns, seizing considerable military equipment and claiming casualties among both Malian and Russian forces. The Malian military reported the loss of two soldiers and a helicopter crash, while the Tuareg stated that several Wagner fighters and Malian soldiers were either killed or captured. The clashes erupted after the Malian army attempted to reclaim control over several districts in Tinzaouatene, a region that has seen ongoing conflict since 2012. This battle follows a trend of increasing violence in the region, where separatist groups have been fighting for independence. The situation remains tense, with limited independent verification of the reported casualties on both sides.