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A fierce and escalating conflict has engulfed Mali, where Al-Qaida-affiliated rebels have launched a brazen offensive against Russian paramilitary forces, leaving a trail of devastation in their wake. The Kremlin claims its Africa Corps has thwarted a coup attempt following the weekend’s clashes in Kidal, a strategic town near the Algerian border. However, local reports suggest that the reality may be far more complex, raising questions about the efficacy of Russian military intervention in the region.
A Fractured Battlefield
Over the weekend, the Africa Corps—successors to the notorious Wagner Group—engaged in a harrowing battle in Kidal, reportedly for over 24 hours while surrounded and significantly outnumbered. Russian officials allege that their troops sustained heavy fighting against insurgents trained by foreign mercenaries, including Ukrainians. Yet, the details of the engagement remain murky, with a notable absence of corroborating evidence
