Russian “African Corps” personnel among casualties in rebel attacks in Mali

Casualties have been reported among personnel of Russia’s Ministry of Defence “African Corps” following coordinated attacks by armed groups in Mali, according to Russian officials.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Georgy Borisenko said at a meeting of the Federation Council Committee on International Affairs that the incidents occurred during large-scale attacks on April 25 involving groups linked to Al-Qaeda and Tuareg separatists, Caliber.Az reports per Russian media.

He stated that the coordinated assaults targeted multiple locations across the country, affecting both Malian armed forces and Russian personnel deployed with the “African Corps,” adding that there were casualties on the Russian side.

Borisenko noted that, according to reports from Russian Ambassador Igor Gromyko, the situation in the capital Bamako remained calm, although fighting continued in other parts of the country.

He also said that the northern city of Kidal had come under the control of Tuareg separatists, describing the development as a significant challenge for the authorities.

Earlier reports indicated that on April 25, coordinated attacks were launched on several cities in Mali by armed groups. Mali’s General Staff said government forces repelled the assaults and inflicted heavy losses on the attackers. Separately, Mali’s Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs, Sadio Camara, was reported killed during the events.

By Sabina Mammadli