In July, a severe sandstorm in Mali led to a deadly clash between Wagner mercenaries and Tuareg rebels, resulting in multiple casualties.
Among the presumed dead were experienced Russian fighters with previous combat experience in Ukraine, Libya, and Syria.
Interviews with relatives and social media data reveal that the losses include veterans of the Ukraine siege and seasoned mercenaries from various conflicts.
This raises concerns about the effectiveness of Russian mercenary forces employed by military juntas in the Sahel region, where they face challenges from separatists and extremist groups.
Moscow’s ability to manage its mercenary forces, absorbed into a defense ministry unit after Wagner’s founder Yevgeny Prigozhin’s death, is now in question.
The Russian government has yet to comment on the Mali incident, while Wagner acknowledges heavy losses but does not specify numbers.
Videos showing deceased fighters and reports from Tuareg rebels suggest significant casualties.
One video verified by Reuters displayed 47 bodies in military uniforms.
Relatives have been informed of their loved ones being missing in action, but specific details remain unclear.
The Mali government has downplayed the impact of the defeat on its objectives.
Meanwhile, Wagner’s future remains uncertain as the group continues operations under new affiliations.
