The Malian army is currently engaged in a crucial battle for control of the town of Kidal, with the support of mercenaries from the Russian paramilitary company Wagner. The clashes, which began in a locality called Alkite, were particularly violent, with exchanges of fire with heavy weapons for almost two hours. Despite the air reinforcement available to the Malian army, neither side has been able to gain the upper hand for the moment.
The Malian rebels, grouped within the CSP-PSD coalition, managed to interrupt communications in Kidal, without however managing to achieve a decisive victory. Casualties have been reported on both sides of the conflict. The fighting stopped with nightfall, but the situation remains tense and Sunday promises to be decisive.
The first strategies are taking shape in this battle. The Malian armed forces initially attempted to create several attack fronts, but ultimately concentrated their forces in Alkite. For their part, the rebels chose to let the army advance from the locality of Anéfis before taking positions on several axes.
Although the results of the clashes are contradictory, damaged combat vehicles and victims have been recorded on the ground. Russian mercenaries, specialized in night operations, were not active during the night from Saturday to Sunday. Fighting could resume this Sunday, with the army aiming to continue advancing and the rebels pushing back the Malian troops.
This battle for control of Kidal is of major strategic importance in the conflict that has shaken northern Mali for years. The situation remains precarious and unstable, reflecting the constant challenges that the Malian armed forces face in their fight against rebel groups. The international community is closely monitoring developments in this situation, while peace and stability in the region remain essential issues to be resolved.