DAKAR, SENEGAL — In a dramatic development, Mali’s strategic Tessalit military camp has fallen to an alliance of Tuareg separatists and jihadists, marking a significant defeat for the junta and a withdrawal of Russian mercenaries, according to sources.
The offensive, a rare display of cooperation between the secular Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) and the Al-Qaeda-linked Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), resulted in the seizure of key military facilities and equipment, including Bayraktar TB2 drones. This move has led to the withdrawal of Russian forces from the region, as confirmed by the Russian Africa Corps.
The recent surge in rebel activity follows a series of targeted strikes on military bases across Mali, including the capital, Bamako.
The assassination of Mali’s Defense Minister, General Sadio Camara, in a suicide bombing at his residence in Kati, near Bamako, was one of the pivotal events.
The BBC reports that the Russian Africa Corps confirmed their withdrawal from Kidal, in line with the separatist group’s claim to have taken control of the city.
The AP News suggests the attacks were concentrated on regional cities, while JNIM engaged in simultaneous operations in multiple areas.
The seizure of Tessalit, a “super-camp “near the Algerian border, is particularly notable due to its strategic location and well-maintained airstrip, which can support helicopters and large military aircraft. Mali’s situation has been volatile since the 2020 military coup, with separatist movements, jihadist groups, and the junta supported by Russian mercenaries vying for control.
The Alliance of Sahel States (AES), consisting of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, has expressed concern over the attacks, labeling them a “monstrous plot backed by the enemies of the liberation of the Sahel.”.
However, the AES has not provided further details on the plot’s nature or backers.
As events unfold, the international community is cautious, observing the potential implications of the rebels’successes.
The retreat of Russian forces and the capture of key military installations could lead to increased instability in the region, as the junta and its allies struggle to maintain control.
The developments in Mali highlight the complex and evolving nature of conflict in the Sahel region, where the distinctions between separatist movements, jihadist groups, and foreign military interventions are becoming increasingly blurred.
The situation is expected to remain tense, with a potential for further escalations in the near future.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: rfi
Source: RFI
