On Thursday, Mali troops and their Russian allies clashed with separatist rebels near the Algeria border, according to rebel sources and a witness reporting to AFP.
The 2020 junta has prioritized eliminating separatists and insurgents from Mali. They have recently claimed several victories and launched an offensive on Tinzaouatene, close to Algeria.
Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadane, spokesman for the CSP-DPA separatists, stated that Mali forces and “Wagner group” mercenaries attempted to seize Tinzaouatene, which is inhabited by civilians fleeing from abuses.
The Mali army has not yet commented, but a military source mentioned efforts to continue securing the national territory. A civilian on the Algerian side reported hearing gunfire from Mali.
Separatist groups lost control of several areas in 2023 after junta forces captured Kidal, a northern stronghold. There have been numerous allegations of rights abuses by both the army and Wagner forces, which Mali denies.
