The Russian Federation's African Corps deployed 200 troops to regain control of the city of Anefis in Mali
Malian government forces, together with the Russian Ministry of Defense’s “African Corps,” have regained control of the city of Anefis in northern Mali, which had been captured by rebels a week ago.
According to Le Figaro, Russia deployed more than 200 of its troops for the operation, while the Malian army contributed about 100 soldiers. During its advance toward the city, the convoy was ambushed several times, and, according to Reuters, air support was provided by the air force of neighboring Niger.
A representative of the “Azawad Liberation Front” stated that the rebels left Anefis for “strategic reasons” to avoid civilian casualties, asserting that the majority of the forces involved in the assault consisted of Russian military personnel.
The city of Anefis is of strategic importance, as it opens the way to Kidal—one of the key centers in northern Mali, which is the subject of ongoing fighting between government forces and rebels.
Source: Le Figaro, Reuters.
Units of the so-called African Corps of the Russian Ministry of Defense have left the strategically important city of Kidal in Mali. The withdrawal took place amid an unprecedented attack by Tuareg rebels and Islamists on several regions of the country simultaneously.
Representatives of the Tuareg rebels claim that government forces and their allies left Kidal in accordance with a prior agreement. At the same time, there is no consensus among Russian Z-channels and military bloggers regarding the reasons for the withdrawal.
Malian soldiers and fighters from the Russian “African Corps” have been accused of killing four civilians in northern Mali. According to local residents and human rights activists, the body of one of the victims was dismembered and arranged in the shape of a swastika.
