Unidentified forces in Mali ambushed an armored vehicle “VPK-Ural” of Russian Wagner mercenaries.

The photo was shared by one of the Russian Telegram channels.

It is reported that the attack was carried out using a remotely activated explosive device. It is unknown who organized the ambush; it could have been either Azawd rebels, or al-Qaeda militants.

The crew of the armored vehicle survived, but the VPK-Ural suffered damage to the chassis, armor plate, and hull.

As of today, Russia has deployed Wagner PMC units in Mali, which have intensified after the withdrawal of French troops in 2022.

The French Armed Forces operated in Mali from 2013 to 2022 as part of Operations Serval and Barkhane, countering illegal armed groups, including ISIS, which tried to seize power.

Currently, the local indigenous population, with the support of Western countries, is resisting Russian mercenaries and the pro-Russian government of Mali.

Ambushes on Russians in Mali

At the end of November 2024, militants from the al-Qaeda branch in Mali (JNIM AQIM) reportedly ambushed a Wagner PMC convoy in the south of the country.

The convoy was attacked with an improvised explosive device. Al-Qaeda then claimed that 6 Wagner mercenaries were killed as a result.

Militants seized small arms and mercenaries’ equipment as trophies. In particular, 5 AK rifles, a 7.62 mm PC/PKM handgun and a 12.7 mm Khawad heavy machine gun.

Strengthening of the Russian detachment in Mali

On January 18, Militarny reported that Russia was deploying heavy armored vehicles to Mali as part of a reinforcement of its contingent in the country.

Among the equipment sent to reinforce the contingent, a significant number of T-72B3 tanks, BTR-80/82A armored personnel carriers, Lens, Spartak (VPK-Ural), Tiger vehicles, and other weaponry were spotted.

Additionally, armored personnel carriers (APCs) and numerous unidentified vehicles—covered with tarps during transportation—may also have been transferred to the region.