Russian forces withdraw from Kidal, Mali, after separatist and Islamist attacks
via The Namibian4 min read
Russian forces, operating as Russia’s Africa Corps, have confirmed their withdrawal from the northern Malian city of Kidal, alongside Malian troops, following coordinated attacks by separatist and Islamist militants across the country. The separatist Azawad Liberation Front FLA claimed control of Kidal, stating it is "now free" after an agreement for the secure withdrawal of Russian forces. Mali has been grappling with insurgencies from northern separatists and groups affiliated with al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. The weekend saw explosions and gunfire in multiple areas, including the capital Bamako, and cities like Sevare, Mopti, Gao, and Kidal. Malian Defence Minister Sadio Camara was reportedly killed in a suicide truck bombing near the capital. The Alliance of Sahel States AES, comprising Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, described the attacks as a "monstrous plot." While the Africa Corps confirmed their Kidal withdrawal, they indicated continued operations elsewhere in Mali. The Africa Corps, largely composed of former Wagner group fighters, is overseen by Russian Deputy Defence Minister Yunus-Bek Yevkurov and its operations are run by Maj-Gen Andrey Averyanov. Russia's involvement in African countries has often been linked to access to natural resources and has faced accusations of atrocities against civilians.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
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