Wagner Mercenaries in Mali: Battle Losses and Regional Implications

In July, Wagner mercenaries, including Russian war veterans, faced heavy losses during a sandstorm battle with Tuareg rebels in Mali. The defeat raises concerns about Russia's capacity to succeed where Western and U.N. forces failed. Families of missing fighters have criticized Wagner for lack of information about their loved ones.

Among the many Wagner mercenaries presumed dead after a deadly clash with Tuareg rebels during a sandstorm in Mali in July were Russian war veterans, according to interviews with relatives and a review of social media data. These losses spotlight the risks Russian mercenary forces face while working for military juntas in the arid Sahel region.

The Mali defeat has raised doubts about Moscow's ability to succeed where Western and U.N. troops have recently been expelled. By cross-referencing public information with online posts and interviewing relatives, Reuters identified 23 fighters missing in action and two others captured by Tuareg rebels after the ambush near the town of Tinzaouaten.

Many of these men had survived other brutal engagements, such as the siege of Bakhmut in Ukraine. Relatives of the fighters have criticized Wagner for not providing enough information about the fate of their loved ones. Mikhail Zvinchuk, a blogger close to the Russian defense ministry, stated that Wagner fighters underestimated their opponents in Mali.

(With inputs from agencies.)