In Mali, Russians Abandon Second Base and Town of Tessit Under Pressure

In Mali, Russian mercenaries from the Africa Corps and fighters from the Malian junta have abandoned their second base and the town of Tessit under pressure from rebels.

The withdrawal of junta forces from northern Mali was confirmed by the group Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM).

They were given guarantees of a safe withdrawal if they agreed to leave this territory in the Gao region without a fight.

“This initiative is being carried out as part of our organization’s policy to encourage all those who seek neutrality, as well as to ensure peace and security for everyone without exception,” JNIM stated.

The JNIM also called on all junta units in camps and barracks in other regions to follow the example of their comrades from Tessit.

The JNIM is one of the main jihadist groups linked to Al-Qaeda operating in Mali.

It acts in conjunction with rebels from the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA), who are seeking to establish an independent Tuareg state—Azawad.

Mali is under the control of a military junta led by General Assimi Goïta, who came to power following the 2021 coup, promising to restore security and drive out armed groups.

Before leaving Tessit, the Russian Africa Corps suffered casualties and equipment losses, and also lost its base in the city of Kidal under pressure from Malian rebels.

To force junta fighters and Russians to abandon their bases, the rebels are actively using strike FPV drones.

During the battles for Kidal, the rebels used drones to strike enemy armored vehicles and personnel.

Also in Mali, the junta’s defense minister, Sadio Camara, was killed—the rebels attacked his residence.