Over the weekend in northern Mali, dozens of Wagner mercenaries were killed by jihadis and rebels in what has been described as the most significant blow to the Russian group in years. At least two Wagner fighters were captured.
Around 50 Wagner personnel were killed in an al-Qaida ambush that also involved pursuing rebels near the Algeria border, according to Wassim Nasr, a Sahel specialist at the Soufan Center. Nasr, who reviewed footage of the aftermath, reported that the convoy, which was retreating from a battle with Tuareg rebels and Mali’s army, was attacked south of Tinzaouaten.
Wagner confirmed in a Telegram statement that some of its fighters and Malian troops were killed in the clash with hundreds of militants, though they did not specify the number of casualties. Mali’s army reported two soldiers dead and 20 rebels killed. Al-Qaida claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that it was a retaliation for past massacres in Mali, and claimed 50 Wagner fighters were killed. Tuareg rebels reported that some mercenaries and Malian soldiers had surrendered to them.
The Associated Press could not immediately verify the video mentioned by Nasr.
Nasr described the incident as unprecedented in Africa and likely to shift dynamics in the region. He noted that Wagner’s previous claims of success are contradicted by their limited capacity to sustain such operations or secure territory.
Wagner has been active in Mali since late 2021, following a military coup, replacing French troops and international peacekeepers. Their presence, aimed at countering militants and securing mineral resources, has also been marked by allegations of civilian casualties.
Independent analyst John Lechner suggested that the ambush reflects Wagner’s overstretched and overconfident stance in Mali. He noted that Wagner’s setbacks are often attributed to private military companies, while Russian defense victories are emphasized.