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Russian airstrikes hit rebel positions near Bamako
Russian-backed paramilitary forces launched air strikes against insurgent groups near Mali's capital, Bamako, following a coordinated rebel offensive that killed the country's defense minister and overran key military bases.
Rebel attacks escalate across Mali
Jihadist and Tuareg separatist fighters launched a large-scale assault on Saturday, targeting multiple locations nationwide. The attacks, described by analysts as a "major escalation," included a deadly raid on the residence of Defense Minister Sadio Camara in Kati, 20 kilometers from Bamako.
A suicide bomber detonated an explosives-laden vehicle at Camara's home, killing him in the ensuing firefight, according to a government spokesperson. Satellite imagery revealed extensive destruction, with Camara's property leveled and surrounding buildings heavily damaged.
Russian forces claimed up to 12,000 fighters participated in the offensive, which marked a shift in strategy for groups like the al-Qaeda-linked Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM). Previously focused on rural areas, rebels are now directly targeting urban centers, said Jean-Hervé Jezequel, Sahel director at the International Crisis Group.
Russian-backed forces respond with air strikes
The Kremlin-controlled Africa Corps, which supports Mali's military, released video footage of airstrikes and helicopter attacks against rebel positions in Kati. BBC Verify geolocated the clips to the town, where drone footage showed missiles striking a convoy of rebel pickup trucks, triggering a massive explosion.
Additional footage, filmed from an attack helicopter cockpit, captured missile launches at ground targets, while other videos depicted smoke rising from strikes on the outskirts of Kati.
Strategic withdrawals and lost equipment
Despite the show of force, Russian and Malian forces abandoned Kidal, a critical northern base seized in late 2023 after a prolonged battle. Verified videos showed rebels roaming the facility, which housed significant troops and equipment. The Africa Corps claimed to have removed "heavy equipment" before withdrawing, but footage from the site revealed abandoned armored personnel carriers, patrol vehicles, and jeeps.
Analyst Charlie Werb of Aldebaran Threat Consultants noted that while the loss of such equipment would impact Mali's military, rebels may struggle to integrate heavy vehicles into their hit-and-run tactics, which prioritize speed and concealment.
Forces also pulled out of Tessalit, another northern town, while clashes erupted near the Africa Corps' main compound in Bamako. One video showed a Russian mercenary firing from a guard post on the facility's perimeter.
Russia's mercenary model under scrutiny
The Africa Corps, a successor to the Wagner Group, arrived in Mali in 2021 after France withdrew its troops amid deteriorating relations with the ruling junta. The group operates under direct Kremlin control, providing security in exchange for payments and access to natural resources.
Dr. Sorcha MacLeod, a former UN mercenary working group member, said the force-estimated at 2,500 troops-has failed to curb the growing influence of JNIM and the separatist Azawad Liberation Front (FLA). The withdrawal from Kidal, a key stronghold, underscores the group's struggles.
"Other states hiring Africa Corps will be watching closely," MacLeod said. "The model isn't working, yet it drains poor countries' resources. It's unsustainable."
Conflict's broader context
Mali has battled rebel groups for over a decade. The military seized power in 2020, accusing the civilian government of mishandling the security crisis. Since then, the junta has faced repeated setbacks, including a blockade of Bamako last year.
The latest offensive highlights the junta's inability to secure the country, despite Russian support. Analysts warn the conflict could further destabilize the Sahel region.
