Russian mercenaries under fire: Wagner's peril in Mali

The incident occurred in Mopti, where the Wagner group guarded a checkpoint. This is already the second time Russian mercenaries have fallen into an ambush in Mali. In July, they were attacked by Tuareg rebels on the border with Algeria, resulting in the death of all fighters from the 13th assault unit.

According to pro-Kremlin media sources, over 25 Russians died in the July attack, although the former commander of the 13th PMC Wagner unit claimed that the casualties were nearly 100 people. The rebels reported that a total of 121 people died, including 84 Wagner members.

The Ukrainian intelligence allegedly provided the local Tuaregs with information about the ambush, leading to the severing of diplomatic relations between Mali and Ukraine. Russia responded by assisting the junta in attacking the families of the rebels, causing the death of 21 civilians.

The Wagner group fighters are known for their brutal actions in Ukraine, as well as in Africa. The presence of Russian mercenaries in Mali dates back to 2021 when the local junta proposed cooperation with them in exchange for providing security. Russia also controls the governments in Niger and Burkina Faso, which increases its influence in the region.

Earlier this year, Ukrainian special forces apprehended three mercenaries of the Russian Wagner group in Sudan - reported the Kyiv Post.

"We are on the side of good. We defend not only Ukraine but also the legitimate government of Sudan from evil," said Ukrainian soldier Ihor Checherynda, commenting on the Kyiv Post-publication, which contained video footage of the mercenaries captured in Sudan by the Ukrainian military intelligence special unit (HUR).

One of the captives on the recording speaks Russian and claims to be part of the Wagner group. He states that the mercenaries' task was to overthrow the Sudanese authorities and adds that their number reached a hundred.