An ambush in Mali’s Mopti region led to the deaths of multiple mercenaries affiliated with Russia’s Wagner Group. The Thursday attack, which occurred near the towns of Bankasso and Bandiagara, involved fighters reportedly linked to Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM), an al-Qaeda affiliate.
Initial claims by JNIM and SITE Intelligence reported seven fatalities, while the Associated Press confirmed at least six Wagner operatives were dead.
The assault targeted a convoy traveling between checkpoints in central Mali. Sources, including Reuters, confirm the incident involved two military vehicles, both of which were destroyed. A video circulating online purportedly shows the aftermath, but it has not been independently verified.
JNIM, which claimed responsibility for the ambush, described the attack as a tactical operation by its Katiba Macina branch. The militant group reportedly seized weapons and ammunition from the convoy following the attack.
🇲🇱 #Mali: At least seven mercenaries from #Russia’s Wagner Group were killed on Friday after militants from JNIM (an al-Qaeda affiliated militia) attacked their unit in central Mali. The attack reportedly took place in Mopti province as the unit travelled between two towns. pic.twitter.com/1mmNrJRRTY
— POPULAR FRONT (@PopularFront_) November 24, 2024
Malian military officials have yet to issue a statement, and attempts to contact army representatives have been unsuccessful. Local administrators, however, have verified the attack and confirmed the presence of Russian casualties among the dead.
