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Russian paramilitary carried out air strikes in Mali as rebels advanced, footage shows
Video footage shows a Russian Africa Corps air campaign against rebel forces near Bamako following a major offensive by jihadist and Tuareg groups that killed Mali's Defence Minister. The Africa Corps withdrew from Kidal after heavy clashes, while rebels roamed the base; Malian troops also pulled out of Tessalit amid ongoing fighting. The timeline reflects Mali's long-running conflict and Russia's security role through mercenary groups.
Why It Matters
The involvement and withdrawal of Russia-linked mercenaries in Mali could reshape the security landscape, regional power dynamics, and the use of natural resources in the country.
Timeline
8 Events
Malian troops pull out of Tessalit; clashes near Bamako facility
April 25, 2026
Malian troops pulled out of Tessalit in the north, while clashes occurred near the Africa Corps facility in Bamako; footage showed a Russian mercenary firing from a guard post on the perimeter.
Africa Corps withdraws from Kidal; rebels roam base
April 25, 2026
The Africa Corps confirmed its withdrawal from the Kidal base; verified footage showed rebels roaming the base afterward, and the group claimed to have removed heavy equipment ahead of withdrawal.
Drone and helicopter strikes on rebel targets near Kati
April 25, 2026
Drone footage showed a missile attack on a convoy of rebel pick-up trucks on a highway near Kati; a cockpit clip showed missiles launched at ground targets, while another clip showed smoke rising after a helicopter attack.
Air strikes near Bamako; Camara killed (Kati attack)
April 25, 2026
A series of airstrikes by Africa Corps against rebel forces near Bamako, including an attack on the defence minister’s residence in Kati where Sadio Camara was killed in a firefight after a suicide bomber struck his home.
Bamako blockade late 2025
December 2025
Bamako came under a blockade late last year as the conflict intensified.
Kidal seized after end-2023 fighting
December 2023
Wagner Group and Malian forces seized the northern base of Kidal after an extended, bloody battle at the end of 2023.
Wagner Group arrives in Mali
2021
Wagner Group mercenaries arrived in Mali in the lead-up to the withdrawal of French troops.
Mali's 2020 coup and military rule
2020
Mali's military leaders seized power in 2020 after accusing the civilian administration of failing to manage the security situation.