Russia's Africa Corps confirms withdrawal from Kidal
BBC • • world
Key Points:
- Russian forces, part of the Africa Corps, have confirmed their withdrawal from the northern Malian city of Kidal following coordinated attacks by separatist and Islamist militant groups.
- The separatist Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) claimed permanent control of Kidal, declaring the city "now free," after an agreement was reached for the Russian troops' secure withdrawal.
- Mali has experienced ongoing insurgencies from separatists and jihadist groups affiliated with al-Qaeda and ISIS, with recent attacks reported across multiple cities including the capital Bamako, where the Malian Defence Minister was killed in a suicide bombing.
- The Africa Corps, succeeding the Wagner mercenary group, stated they will continue operations elsewhere in Mali despite leaving Kidal, and acknowledged civilian casualties amid the complex security situation.
- Russia’s military involvement in Mali, overseen by the Russian Defence Ministry, is linked to securing influence and access to valuable natural resources, though the Africa Corps has faced accusations of atrocities against civilians.
