Al-Qaeda attack in Mali may hit Russian Africa Corps forces
Mali army (Photo: Getty Images)
A large-scale coordinated attack by al-Qaeda militants and Tuareg rebels on military bases took place in Mali. The city of Kidal was captured, and Bamako airport was attacked, according to a Reuters report.
The organization Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) claimed responsibility for the attacks. They announced strikes on the capital's airport and on the northern cities of Mopti, Sévaré, and Gao.
The city of Kidal has now been declared captured as a result of a joint operation by JNIM and the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA). Tuareg rebels claimed control over positions in Gao, and in the city of Kati, explosions destroyed the house of Mali's Defense Minister Sadio Camara. Foreign embassies, including those of the US and Britain, urged citizens to seek immediate shelter.
What is known about the fighting in Mali
The first explosions occurred around 6 a.m. near the main military base in Kati. Gunfire there did not subside for more than four hours. Ulf Lessing, head of the Sahel program at the German Konrad Adenauer Foundation, commented to the agency on the situation:
"This looks like the biggest coordinated attack for years."
Analysts note that the selection of targets was surgically precise. Kati and Bamako are the political heart of the country. And the city of Kidal was a symbol of the army's victory in 2023.
The Malian military command is trying to reassure the population and claims hundreds of attackers have been killed. A large-scale sweep has begun in the capital and in the gold-rich regions.
As of Saturday afternoon, the army stated that the situation was under control. However, residents of Gao reported powerful explosions even after this statement. A nighttime curfew has been introduced in the city.
Failure of the junta's promises and Russian mercenaries
Reuters notes that the current government, led by Assimi Goita, came to power through coups, promising peace. Instead, the security situation has only worsened, which is provoking opposition. To maintain its regime, the junta has brought in Russian mercenaries from the so-called Africa Corps.
These mercenaries are accused of numerous crimes against civilians. The Africa Corps uses tactics similar to those of Wagner — destroying settlements, killing civilians, and instilling fear.
Interestingly, JNIM militants claim they did not attack the regime's Russian mercenaries. The group supposedly wants to build balanced and effective future relations.
At the same time, local media report that fighting took place not only against the official army but also against Russian mercenaries.
What is known about Al-Qaeda and the Africa Corps
The US has been fighting this group for many years, especially after the tragic events of September 11. Reports occasionally emerge that one or another leader of an AL-Qaeda-affiliated organization has been eliminated, but this does not affect the structure as a whole.
The so-called Africa Corps was created on the initiative of the Russian Ministry of Defense. In December 2023, the Russian Defense Ministry announced recruitment for the corps.
Earlier, in September, the Kremlin had already redeployed most of the Wagner fighters from Belarus to Niger, Libya, Sudan, Mali, the Central African Republic, and Mozambique. In all of these countries, Moscow has its colonial and geopolitical interests, supporting their military juntas and insurgents.
