On November 21, a group of at least six Russian mercenaries from the Wagner private military company were killed in an ambush by a faction linked to Al-Qaeda in central Mali. The attack occurred in the Mopti region, where the group known as JNIM (Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin) claimed responsibility for targeting a convoy of Wagner fighters.
A source within Mali's security services confirmed the incident, stating that the mercenaries were attacked while at a checkpoint. Reports indicate that at least seven Wagner fighters were killed, with unverified video footage showing the bodies of five men in military uniforms near a vehicle.
This incident follows earlier reports of significant casualties among Wagner forces in Mali, including 84 fighters killed in clashes from July 25 to July 27, 2023. The ongoing conflict in Mali has involved government forces battling extremist and separatist groups since 2012, leading to a prolonged crisis in security and socio-economic development.
Russian mercenaries have been present in Mali since 2021, following a military coup in 2020 that severed ties with France and established closer relations with Russia. The ruling junta aims to regain control over the entire country, particularly the northern region of Kidal, which was captured in 2023.