Russian Wagner mercenaries ambushed again in Mali, 6 killed

The incident occurred in Mopti, where the Wagner group was guarding a checkpoint. It is the second time Russian mercenaries have fallen into an ambush in Mali. In July, near the border with Algeria, they were attacked by Tuareg rebels, resulting in the death of all fighters in the 13th assault division.

According to pro-Kremlin media sources, more than 25 Russians died in the July attack, although the former commander of the 13th Wagner PMC unit claimed that the losses were nearly 100 people. The rebels reported a total of 121 people killed, including 84 Wagner mercenaries.

Ukrainian intelligence was reportedly involved by providing local Tuaregs with information about the ambush, which led to the severing of diplomatic relations between Mali and Ukraine. In response, Russia assisted the junta in attacking rebel families, resulting in the death of 21 civilians.

The fighters of the Wagner group are known for their brutal actions in Ukraine and Africa. Russian mercenaries have been present in Mali since 2021 when the local junta sought their cooperation in exchange for security assurances. Russia also influences the governments in Niger and Burkina Faso, thereby increasing its regional presence.

Earlier this year, Ukrainian special forces captured three Russian Wagner group mercenaries in Sudan, as reported by the Kyiv Post.

“We are on the side of good. We defend not only Ukraine but also the legitimate government of Sudan from evil," said Ukrainian military officer Ihor Checherynda, commenting on the Kyiv Post's publication, which included a video from the interrogation of mercenaries captured in Sudan by a unit of the Ukrainian military intelligence special forces (HUR).

In the recording, one of the captives speaks in Russian, stating he belongs to the Wagner group. He claims that the mercenaries' mission was to overthrow the Sudanese authorities and adds that their numbers reach one hundred.