Tuareg separatists have claimed a major victory over Mali’s army and Russian allies following three days of intense fighting in the Tinzaouatene district on the Algerian border. The coalition of mainly Tuareg separatists, known as the CSP-PSD, stated that they had decisively obliterated enemy columns on Saturday, seizing a large amount of equipment and weapons and taking prisoners. The statement also mentioned that seven rebels were killed and 12 wounded during the fighting.
Mali’s military rulers, led by Colonel Assimi Goita, took power in 2020 and sought security assistance from Russia’s Wagner Group of mercenaries after expelling French forces in 2022. The Tuareg, an ethnic group fighting for independence since 2012, engaged in large-scale fighting with the Malian army in Tinzaouatene after the army claimed to have retaken control of several districts. Tinzaouatene, surrounded by Algerian territory, has been a site of conflict between separatist forces and the army over the past decade.
The CSP-PSD reported damaging a helicopter, which crashed in rebel stronghold Kidal. Malian army statements indicated that two soldiers were killed and 10 injured, with a helicopter crashing in Kidal during a routine mission. Reports suggest that Tuareg forces may be receiving support from the French military and regional armed groups with ties to al-Qaeda. Videos shared by rebels showed white soldiers among prisoners, with claims that at least 15 Wagner Group fighters were killed or arrested by the Malian army.
Russian military bloggers reported that at least 20 Wagner fighters were killed in an ambush near the Algerian border. However, Malian authorities have denied that Russian forces are Wagner mercenaries, stating they are trainers assisting local troops. Reports indicate that Wagner fighters have been in Mali since at least 2021. In addition to the conflict with separatist forces, Mali has faced violence from rebel groups associated with al-Qaeda and ISIS, as well as community self-defense groups and criminal organizations since 2012.
The conflict in Mali has resulted in accusations of rights abuses against civilians by both the Malian army and Wagner forces. Malian authorities deny these allegations, while reports of human rights violations continue. The presence of rebel groups linked to terrorist organizations has further destabilized the country, leading to increased violence and insecurity. The situation in Mali remains complex, with ongoing conflict between separatist forces, the Malian army, and various armed groups posing significant challenges to peace and stability in the region.
