**Wagner Group Announces Withdrawal from Mali Amid Ongoing Violence**

Wed Aug 20 2025 11:48:22 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)
**Wagner Group Announces Withdrawal from Mali Amid Ongoing Violence**

**Russian mercenaries claim success in counterterrorism efforts as jihadist attacks persist**


**The Wagner Group has declared its departure from Mali after reportedly achieving its objectives in combating militant insurgency, despite ongoing violence in the region.**

The Wagner Group, a Russian paramilitary organization, has revealed its decision to withdraw from Mali, citing the achievement of its primary mission against Islamist militants in the country. The group, which has been present since 2021, stated via its Telegram channel that it has successfully killed "thousands of militants and their commanders" who have posed a significant threat to civilians.

This announcement coincides with reports of Malian soldiers retreating from a key military base in the center of Mali, following a surge in violent attacks this month. Mali has been struggling with jihadist insurgency for over a decade, with a military coup in recent years leading to the establishment of a junta that has opted for collaborations with Russian forces, notably after the French military's exit in 2022.

Recent weeks have seen a spike in jihadist activity, with brutal attacks on military installations. A group affiliated with al-Qaeda, Jama'a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM), has been particularly active, claiming responsibility for attacks resulting in numerous casualties among Malian troops.

The situation escalated dramatically as reports emerged of an attack on the army base in Boulikessi, where over 30 soldiers were killed. The ongoing assaults have prompted military sources to describe troop withdrawals as "strategic" and a necessary response to the rapidly changing security landscape.

Despite Wagner's withdrawal, the presence of Russian forces in the region is set to continue, with another Russian mercenary group, Africa Corps, positioned to take over operations in Mali. This indicates Russia’s growing influence in West and Central Africa amid rising concerns regarding security and stability in the Sahel region.

While questions linger about the effectiveness of Wagner in combating insurgency, their departure marks a significant turning point in Mali's volatile security environment. The announcement did not clarify if Wagner would also exit its operations in the Central African Republic, where the group has established its African headquarters, leaving the future of Russian military engagement in the region in question.

MORE ON THEME

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 05:40:42 GMT

Israel's Hostage Dilemma: Ceasefire or Comprehensive Release?

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 05:40:42 GMT
Fri, 15 Aug 2025 20:55:22 GMT

French National Arrested in Mali Amid Coup Conspiracy Allegations

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 20:55:22 GMT
Fri, 15 Aug 2025 07:55:40 GMT

French National Detained in Alleged Coup Conspiracy in Mali

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 07:55:40 GMT
Fri, 15 Aug 2025 06:15:01 GMT

Alaskans Reflect on the Polarizing Summit Between Putin and Trump

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 06:15:01 GMT
Thu, 14 Aug 2025 04:28:06 GMT

North Korea Asserts Propaganda Loudspeakers Remain Operational Amid Dispute with South

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 04:28:06 GMT
Wed, 13 Aug 2025 05:58:40 GMT

### Trump and Putin Set to Meet in Alaska for Crucial Talks on Ukraine

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 05:58:40 GMT
Mon, 11 Aug 2025 12:08:48 GMT

Mali's Military Faces Internal Turmoil Amid Coup Allegations

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 12:08:48 GMT
Mon, 11 Aug 2025 11:27:55 GMT

Tensions Escalate in Mali as Soldiers Are Arrested Over Alleged Coup Plot

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 11:27:55 GMT
Mon, 11 Aug 2025 04:59:17 GMT

Healing Through Connection: Ukrainian Children Unite in Summer Camp Amid War

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 04:59:17 GMT
Sun, 10 Aug 2025 23:28:43 GMT

European Allies Unite for Ukraine: Emphasizing Inclusion in Peace Talks

Sun, 10 Aug 2025 23:28:43 GMT
Sun, 10 Aug 2025 04:26:23 GMT

Europe Champions Ukraine's Role in Ongoing Peace Talks

Sun, 10 Aug 2025 04:26:23 GMT
Fri, 08 Aug 2025 11:32:27 GMT

### Israel's Controversial Plan for Control of Gaza City Raises International Concerns

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 11:32:27 GMT
Thu, 07 Aug 2025 16:26:15 GMT

**Trump-Putin Meeting: Hurdles to Peace Talks in Ukraine Persist**

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 16:26:15 GMT
Wed, 06 Aug 2025 18:13:30 GMT

Hezbollah Rejects Lebanon's Arms Control Measures as "Grave Sin"

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 18:13:30 GMT
Wed, 06 Aug 2025 11:22:08 GMT

**Witkoff Meets Putin as Urgent Ceasefire Deadline Approaches**

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 11:22:08 GMT
Wed, 06 Aug 2025 05:28:19 GMT

Taiwanese Drama Sparks Debate on China's Threat Amid Political Tensions

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 05:28:19 GMT
Tue, 05 Aug 2025 20:56:40 GMT

**Netanyahu Considers Full Reoccupation of Gaza Amid Mounting Opposition**

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 20:56:40 GMT
Sun, 03 Aug 2025 21:58:26 GMT

Leaders Denounce Disturbing Hostage Footage as Red Cross Urges Humanitarian Access

Sun, 03 Aug 2025 21:58:26 GMT
Sat, 02 Aug 2025 16:23:17 GMT

Mali's Former Prime Minister Charged with Undermining State Credibility

Sat, 02 Aug 2025 16:23:17 GMT
Sat, 02 Aug 2025 11:28:42 GMT

Tensions Rise as Trump Deploys Nuclear Subs Amid Social Media Feud with Medvedev

Sat, 02 Aug 2025 11:28:42 GMT

Follow us

© 2024 SwissX REDD UK ltd. All Rights Reserved.