Russian commander killed in sandstorm ambush in Mali
The military regime in the West African state had turned to the notorious Wagner group in 2021, seeking support in fighting jihadist and separatist forces.
On Monday the Russian outfit - which has now morphed into a group named Africa Corps - said it had joined Mali’s military in “fierce battles” against separatist rebels and jihadist militants last week.
However, the separatists launched a major attack, killing an estimated 20 to 50 mercenaries, sources close to Africa Corps told the BBC.