A group of Wagner militants and junta troops were defeated in the north-east of Mali using Chinese armored vehicles and automotive equipment. The details of the events were published by Mohamed Larbi Zitout, a former Algerian politician, human rights activist, and diplomat, on his page on X (ex-Twitter). Fighting has been ongoing in the self-proclaimed Azawad region of northern Mali between the Azawad separatists, consisting of Arab, Taureg, and Fulani tribes, and the Malian army, supported by Wagner mercenaries, for several days. One of the significant battles took place today in In Azzraf, near the Algerian city of Tin Zawatin.

The Malian army group and Wagner mercenaries suffered high losses in personnel, as well as the destruction or capture of several military vehicles and weapons. The success of the Azawad separatist group is attributed to their recent acquisition of much-needed anti-aircraft weapons, light artillery, and ammunition, according to Mohamed Larbi Zitout. The exact source of these weapons is unknown, although Malian media have accused neighboring Algeria. The involvement of Russian mercenaries, who were granted permission to operate in Mali in response to a coup d’état in May 2021, has also been noted in the ongoing hostilities. However, videos containing graphic scenes have been circulating on social media platforms, indicating the presence of Russian casualties.

ملخص الأخبار

• Fighting between the Azawad separatists and Malian army near Algerian border
• Capture of Chinese VP11 armored vehicle by Azawad separatists
• Change in Mali’s foreign policy towards Russia post-coup dictating presence of Russian mercenaries
• Possible presence of Russian casualties in the conflict