BAMAKO, Mali (AP)

— A coalition of armed groups in northern Mali, predominantly composed of Tuareg fighters, has claimed responsibility for a significant attack that reportedly resulted in the deaths of numerous government soldiers and Russian mercenaries from the Wagner group. The confrontation occurred near the Algeria border, with social media posts featuring videos showing the aftermath, including the bodies of both Malian soldiers and foreign fighters alongside destroyed military vehicles. The Malian army had previously reported a smaller scale of casualties, stating that two soldiers were killed and ten wounded during a rebel assault that also damaged military equipment. In contrast, the Tuareg coalition, known as CSP-DPA, asserted that their forces engaged in a two-day battle near Tinzawaten village, claiming to have "routed" the Malian army and inflicted heavy losses on their adversaries, including the surrender of some soldiers and Wagner mercenaries. Experts suggest that this incident marks a significant setback for the Wagner group in Mali, with implications for the broader conflict in the region. Rida Lyammouri, a senior fellow at a Moroccan think tank, emphasized that the battle serves as a warning to the Malian government regarding the complexities of regaining control over northern territories. He also cautioned that this defeat could lead to increased violence against civilians as the government and Wagner forces may retaliate. The conflicting narratives from both sides highlight the ongoing chaos and uncertainty in Mali, where armed groups continue to challenge state authority and foreign military presence.