Mali rebels claim to have inflicted heavy casualties on government soldiers and Russian mercenaries

Mali's northern Tuareg rebels said Thursday they had killed at least 84 Russian Wagner mercenaries and 47 Malian soldiers in fierce clashes in late July, according to Reuters. The rebel group, the Permanent Strategic Framework for Peace, Security and Development (CSP) initially claimed dozens of deaths around Tinzaouaten, while an al-Qaeda affiliate reported killing 50 Wagner fighters in an ambush nearby.

These losses represent Wagner's heaviest defeat since it began supporting Mali's military two years ago. Both Mali and Wagner have acknowledged significant losses but have not provided exact numbers.

Despite the casualties, Russia reaffirmed its support for Mali, with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov pledging continued assistance, including military training and boosting combat capabilities.

The Tuareg rebels stated they fought alone, while Malian authorities have accused them of collaborating with jihadist groups. The Tuareg, living in northern Mali's Sahara desert, have long complained of marginalization and launched an separatist insurgency 2012.