Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger accuse Ukraine of backing terrorism in Sahel
Department of Security and Military Strategic Research and Studies 27-08-2024
Mali regains territory from extremists with Russian cooperation
Mali had been divided into two with around half of the nation occupied by armed extremists over the last decade, yet this half has been largely regained with Russian cooperation
Mali’s defense collaboration with Russia has enabled it to regain control of its large previously militant-occupied territories, the chief of staff of Bamako’s Air Force said in an interview with RTVI.
The country had been divided into two with around half of the nation occupied by extremist coalitions over the last decade, Brigadier General Alou Boi Diarra said.
“But today we can happily state the fact that the armed forces of Mali and our state hold these territories and control almost the entire territory of our country,” the air force commander told the Russian news outlet.
“Thanks to cooperation with Russia, we have been able to acquire powerful weapons, which are essential in our current situation. Russia has also sent instructors to our country to assist us in the operation and combat use of this equipment, telling us how best to use it,” he added.
Mali has been experiencing a terror insurgency for over a decade, which the French security mission failed to combat. As a result, the violence spread to Mali’s neighboring countries, Burkina Faso and Niger, prompting the three nations’ military rulers to sever their ties with France and form the Alliance of Sahel States while cooperating with Russia in countering terrorism.
