
Mali Defence Minister Killed in Major Rebel Offensive as Russia Withdraws from Kidal
Jihadist and Tuareg separatist forces have killed Mali's Defence Minister Sadio Camara in a coordinated attack on his residence in Kati, 20km from Bamako. Russia-controlled Africa Corps confirmed withdrawal from Kidal in northern Mali, a strategic base seized after bloody battle in late 2023. The offensive involved up to 12,000 fighters according to Russian sources, marking a major escalation in the decade-long conflict against JNIM and separatist FLA forces.

