Dozens of Wagner mercenaries were killed in northern Mali over the weekend in what has been described as a significant blow to the shadowy Russian group. Approximately 50 Wagner fighters were killed in an al-Qaida ambush along the border with Algeria. The mercenaries had been fighting alongside Mali's army when they were forced to retreat into jihadi territory and were ambushed.
Wagner confirmed that some of its fighters, along with Malian troops, were killed in a battle with hundreds of militants. Mali's army reported the loss of two soldiers, while 20 rebels were killed. Al-Qaida claimed responsibility for the attack, stating it was meant to avenge previous massacres in Mali.
