Major blow to Putin in Africa as Russian forces driven from Mali stronghold by separatists, jihadists

Major blow to Putin in Africa as Russian forces driven from Mali stronghold by separatists, jihadists

Mali's defense minister Sadio Camara, credited with bringing in Moscow's mercenaries, confirmed killed in fighting

A column of black smoke rises above buildings as traffic passes the Africa Tower monument in Bamako on April 26, 2026. April 25, 2026's shock attacks, synchronized by Tuareg rebels of the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) coalition and the jihadist Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), targeted several areas in the vast arid country. Fighting resumed on April 26 in several areas, including Kita near Bamako, Kidal, Gao and Severe.Tuareg rebels meanwhile announced an agreement allowing Russian forces backing Mali's army to withdraw from the northern city of Kidal, which they claimed was "totally" under their control. (AFP via Getty Images)

A column of black smoke rises above buildings as traffic passes the Africa Tower monument in Bamako on April 26, 2026. April 25, 2026's shock attacks, synchronized by Tuareg rebels of the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) coalition and the jihadist Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), targeted several areas in the vast arid country. Fighting resumed on April 26 in several areas, including Kita near Bamako, Kidal, Gao and Severe.Tuareg rebels meanwhile announced an agreement allowing Russian forces backing Mali's army to withdraw from the northern city of Kidal, which they claimed was "totally" under their control. (AFP via Getty Images)

This undated photograph handed out by the French military shows three Russian mercenaries, right, in northern Mali. Russia has engaged in under-the-radar military operations in at least half a dozen countries in Africa in the last five years using a shadowy mercenary force analysts say is loyal to President Vladimir Putin. The analysts say the Africa Corps, formerly the Wagner Group, of mercenaries is also key to Putin's ambitions to re-impose Russian influence on a global scale. (French Army via AP)

This undated photograph handed out by the French military shows three Russian mercenaries, right, in northern Mali. Russia has engaged in under-the-radar military operations in at least half a dozen countries in Africa in the last five years using a shadowy mercenary force analysts say is loyal to President Vladimir Putin. The analysts say the Africa Corps, formerly the Wagner Group, of mercenaries is also key to Putin's ambitions to re-impose Russian influence on a global scale. (French Army via AP)

File picture of Wagner group forces, now known as the Russia Corps, in Mali in 2024. (East2West)

File picture of Wagner group forces, now known as the Russia Corps, in Mali in 2024. (East2West)

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