Heavy Fighting Near Mali-Algeria Border: Wagner Group and Malian Forces Clash with Tuareg Rebels

Russia's Wagner mercenary group and Malian soldiers suffered losses in intense battles against Tuareg rebels near Mali's border with Algeria. The conflict comes amid Mali's ongoing struggle with an Islamist insurgency. Both groups reported casualties, and Wagner leader Sergei Shevchenko, callsigned 'Pond', was killed in the clashes.

Russia's Wagner mercenary group and Malian soldiers faced substantial losses in fierce confrontations with Tuareg rebels near Mali's border with Algeria, reported on Monday. The ongoing conflict in Mali, a nation currently dealing with an Islamist insurgency, has seen military power change hands through coups in 2020 and 2021.

According to a statement from the rebel group, the Permanent Strategic Framework for Peace, Security and Development (CSP-PSD), seized vehicles including armoured transport during the skirmish near the border town of Tinzaouaten. Rare comments from Wagner indicated that their forces, under the command of Sergei Shevchenko, known by the callsign 'Pond', fought together with Malian soldiers from July 22-27.

Wagner's Telegram post stated that Shevchenko was killed, and highlighted the intense nature of the battles. Despite initial victories, a subsequent sandstorm allowed the rebels to regroup, leading to further confrontations. The Malian army confirmed the loss of two soldiers and injuries to ten more, with additional reports of an army helicopter crash in Kidal, fortunately without fatalities.

(With inputs from agencies.)