Russian fighters confirm withdrawal from northern Mali city after separatist attacks
Ethnic Tuareg fighters say they are in control of Kidal following a weekend of nationwide attacks, alongside Islamist groups.
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
"The FLA had remained in the city because 'elements of the Malian army and Russian mercenaries' were still present."
— Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadane , Activist
"An accord has been reached permitting the Malian army and its African Corps allies to leave Camp 2, where they were holed up since yesterday."
— Mohamed El Maouloud Ramadan , Activist
Key People
Leader of Mali's military junta who seized power in a 2020 coup.
Spokesperson for the Tuareg-led Azawad Liberation Front.
Spokesman for the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA).
Defence Minister of Mali who was killed during a recent attack.
Tags
All Coverage
Ethnic Tuareg fighters say they are in control of Kidal following a weekend of nationwide attacks, alongside Islamist groups.
Malian troops and Russian mercenaries withdrew from Kidal following coordinated attacks by rebel and jihadi forces, with the Azawad Liberation Front declaring the city 'free'.
Russian mercenaries from Moscow's Africa Corps withdrew from Kidal under escort by the Tuareg-led rebels they had been deployed to fight.
On April 25, 2026, Mali experienced an unprecedented and coordinated assault by the jihadist group JNIM, in alliance with the pro-independence Tuareg Azawad Liberation Front (ALF).
The Russian Ministry of Defense’s Africa Corps units and Malian government troops withdrew from Kidal following a wave of coordinated insurgent attacks.
Similar Stories
Related coverage based on topic and tags
Mali troops re-enter strategic northern town after separatists withdraw - Reuters
Mali troops re-enter strategic northern town after separatists withdraw Reuters
October 6, 2026 at 11:06 PMEritrean troops drive through northern Ethiopian town, witnesses say - Reuters
Eritrean troops drive through northern Ethiopian town, witnesses say Reuters
October 7, 2026 at 05:21 PMLibya's military seizes narcotics after firefight with smugglers - Reuters
Libya's military seizes narcotics after firefight with smugglers Reuters
October 10, 2026 at 12:09 AMFleeing Kyiv for the countryside ahead of winter
A Kyiv resident told the BBC she has moved away from "everything that can be a Russian target" as Ukraine braces for another cold winter under intense attacks.
October 9, 2026 at 10:00 AMYemeni military says it has retaken Mokha and 'secured' Red Sea waterway
Saudi-backed forces say they seized the port city of Mocha, near the Bab al-Mandab Strait, at the start of an offensive against the Houthis.
October 5, 2026 at 05:49 PMEXCLUSIVE: Erik Prince's forces suffer battlefield loss in Congo, former UFC fighter among wounded, sources say - Reuters
EXCLUSIVE: Erik Prince's forces suffer battlefield loss in Congo, former UFC fighter among wounded, sources say Reuters
October 9, 2026 at 09:46 PM