Tuareg Rebels Claim Heavy Losses for Mali, Wagner

Mali's Tuareg rebels, under the Permanent Strategic Framework for Peace, Security and Development (CSP), reported killing at least 131 soldiers and Russian Wagner mercenaries during intense clashes in late July. Among the casualties, the CSP claimed to have killed 84 Wagner fighters and 47 Malian troops, marking a significant defeat for Wagner since its deployment in Mali two years ago. Despite these heavy losses, Russia reiterated its commitment to supporting the Malian junta, with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov confirming ongoing military and socioeconomic cooperation. Both Mali and Wagner have not disclosed their exact losses, but Wagner acknowledged suffering heavy casualties in a rare statement. The fighting occurred in the northern border town of Tinzaouaten, with an al-Qaeda affiliate also claiming responsibility for killing Wagner fighters in an ambush. The CSP maintains that it operated independently during the clashes, despite accusations of collaboration with jihadist groups.