Tuareg rebels seeking autonomy in the West African country of Mali killed dozens of Russian mercenaries last week in what appeared to be one of the deadliest attacks on Russian personnel on the continent since Moscow first sent Wagner Group guns-for-hire there in 2017.
It was unclear exactly how many Russians were killed in the attack, which took place near Mali’s northern border with Algeria and targeted a column of both Russian fighters and Malian troops. But several Telegram channels associated with the Russian military and mercenary groups presented it as a major setback for Moscow’s efforts in Africa.
Rusich Group, a neo-Nazi Russian paramilitary unit associated with Wagner, said more than 80 men were killed in the operation and that more than 15 had been captured. “I’m talking about our Russian compatriots, servicemen who represent Russia’s interests,” a message posted on the group’s channel said.
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