Mali Weekend Attacks Strain Russia-Backed Forces as Kidal Evacuates
A weekend of major assaults by Al-Qaeda-linked militants and Tuareg rebels challenges Mali’s central government, with Russia’s Africa Corps withdrawing from Kidal amid reports of evacuated troops and damaged equipment; satellite footage and videos show convoy movements and possible base damage, suggesting morale and materiel setbacks for Moscow-backed forces, though the full impact is not yet clear.