Wagner Group Suffers Heavy Losses in Mali

Dozens of Russian mercenaries from the Wagner Group have suffered one of their deadliest losses in Africa, with reports indicating that between 50 to 80 fighters were killed in a complex ambush by Tuareg separatists and al-Qaeda affiliates in northern Mali. The attack occurred during a patrol near the Algerian border, where Wagner forces were collaborating with Malian troops against local rebel groups. Videos have emerged showing the aftermath, with bodies strewn across the desert and vehicles ablaze, confirming the scale of the assault. In addition to the fatalities, several mercenaries were reportedly captured, raising concerns about the capabilities and future operations of the Wagner Group in the region. The attack was claimed as a retaliatory measure by the insurgents, highlighting the ongoing instability in Mali, which has escalated with the involvement of foreign mercenaries. This ambush underscores the challenges faced by the Russian paramilitary forces as they navigate the volatile landscape of the Sahel, where local and jihadist factions continue to exert significant influence.