Russian paramilitary group launches air strikes in Mali as rebels advance The Kremlin-controlled Africa Corps has carried out air strikes against rebel forces near Mali’s capital Bamako, according to video footage showing missile attacks and attack helicopters engaging with rebel troops. The air strikes were launched after a shock offensive by jihadist and Tuareg separatist forces on Saturday, which killed the country’s Defence Minister Sadio Camara. Camara was killed in a firefight after a suicide bomber drove an explosives-laden vehicle into his home.
The Africa Corps claimed up to 12,000 fighters took part in the offensive, with video footage showing air strikes and attack helicopters engaging with rebel troops in the town of Kati, around 20km from Bamako. However, despite the show of force, the mercenaries confirmed that they have pulled out of Kidal in northern Mali, which was a significant hub for military operations.
The withdrawal from Kidal will be a significant loss for the Malian government, as it housed large numbers of troops and equipment. The conflict in Mali has been ongoing for more than a decade, with the military struggling to target key rebel groups such as the al-Qaeda linked Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) group and the separatist Azawad Liberation Front (FLA).
Analysts say that the latest attacks mark a major escalation in the conflict between the military government and the rebels. “Whereas JNIM’s strategy initially relied primarily on conquering rural or peripheral areas, it now also targets major cities,” said Jean-Hervé Jezequel, Sahel director with the International Crisis Group.
The conflict in Mali has seen fighting recorded across the country, with BBC Verify confirming 22 videos showing rebel movements in seven locations since Saturday. The future of the conflict remains uncertain, but experts warn that the loss of equipment and personnel will be felt by the military.
About the Author
