Mali army battles separatists on Algeria border

Mali troops and their Russian allies battled separatist rebels near the Algeria border Thursday, according to rebel spokesman Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadane and a witness who spoke with AFP. The junta that governs Mali is focused on eliminating the threat posed by separatists and jihadists. The regime has claimed several recent victories and this week launched an offensive on Tinzaouatene near the Algeria border.

Ramadane, representing the CSP-DPA mainly ethnic Touareg separatist alliance, reported that Malian troops and Wagner group mercenaries attempted to seize Tinzaouatene. He claimed rebels inflicted significant casualties on the attackers. The Malian army has not commented, but a military source confirmed ongoing efforts to secure national territory. Gunfire was reported near the border by a civilian source in Algeria.

In 2023, separatists lost control of several districts after a junta offensive reclaimed Kidal, a pro-independence center in the north. Malian authorities have denied accusations of rights abuses by the army and Wagner forces.