Mali Rebels Attack Convoy Carrying Government Soldiers and Russian Mercenary Fighters

Deutsche Welle—Rebel fighters in Mali ambushed a military convoy carrying Malian government soldiers and Russian mercenary fighters in the Sahel desert, according to multiple regional sources. Russia's paramilitary forces, which replaced French troops in the country following a military coup, have become recurring targets of insurgent attacks as the security situation has continued to deteriorate. The ambush adds to a pattern of setbacks for the Russian-backed Malian government's counterinsurgency campaign in one of the world's most volatile regions. Western governments have warned repeatedly that Russia's military presence in the Sahel has failed to improve security for the civilian population it was ostensibly deployed to protect.

• Deutsche Welle — Mali rebels attack a military convoy carrying both Malian soldiers and Russian mercenaries.
• The Print — Sources confirm Russian fighters were among those in the convoy attacked in Mali.
• AllAfrica — Mali rebels attack a convoy of government soldiers and Russian mercenary fighters.
• Reuters — Convoy carrying Russian fighters attacked in Mali, sources say