Wagner Massacre in Mali: Dozens of Russian Mercenaries Ambushed

In a brutal ambush in northern Mali, dozens of Russian mercenaries fighting for the notorious Wagner Group were slaughtered, according to footage obtained by Fox News Digital. The attack, which reportedly occurred on July 27, 2024, near the border with Algeria, left numerous Wagner soldiers strewn dead around burnt vehicles.

The Wagner Group, a Russian private military company with a murky history, has come under intense scrutiny following a deadly ambush in Mali that killed dozens of its mercenaries. Footage obtained by Fox News Digital reveals the aftermath of the attack, with numerous Russian soldiers lying dead in various states of undress, strewn around burnt vehicles.

Wagner Massacre in Mali: Dozens of Russian Mercenaries Ambushed

The exact circumstances leading to the ambush remain unclear, but reports indicate that Wagner forces and Malian troops were attacked by Tuareg separatists near the border with Algeria on July 27, 2024. The separatist movement claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that it had "decisively obliterated" the enemy columns on Saturday.

Russian media sources report that at least 20 Wagner soldiers were killed in the ambush, while the Malian army reported the deaths of two soldiers. However, some reports suggest that the Russian death toll could be as high as 80. Fox News Digital could not independently verify the number of Russian or Malian soldiers killed.

Wagner Massacre in Mali: Dozens of Russian Mercenaries Ambushed

The separatists claimed to have taken an unconfirmed number of prisoners during the ambush. The fate of these prisoners remains unknown.

The ambush occurred amid escalating violence in Mali's northern region, where Wagner forces have been fighting alongside the Malian army since 2022. Russian mercenaries have been accused of committing human rights abuses in the country, including torture and summary executions.

Wagner Massacre in Mali: Dozens of Russian Mercenaries Ambushed

Mali's military rulers have claimed that Russian forces in the country are not mercenaries but rather trainers aiding the army in its fight against Islamic extremists. However, Wagner's involvement in the conflict has raised concerns about its motives and the potential for further instability in the region.

In a rare statement, Wagner acknowledged that its forces in Mali were involved in the fighting and that their commander, Sergei Shevchenko, known by the call sign "Pond," was killed. Wagner claimed that Shevchenko's group had initially destroyed most of the Islamist forces but that a sandstorm allowed the radicals to regroup and increase their numbers.

Wagner Massacre in Mali: Dozens of Russian Mercenaries Ambushed

The United Nations has condemned the violence in Mali and called for an independent investigation into the ambush. The United States has also expressed concern about the role of Wagner mercenaries in the conflict and has urged the Malian government to hold those responsible for human rights abuses accountable.

The Wagner Group's massacre in Mali highlights the growing dangers associated with the use of private military companies in conflict zones. The ambush has raised questions about the extent of Wagner's influence in Mali and the potential for further escalation of violence in the region. The international community must continue to monitor the situation closely and demand accountability for any violations of international law committed by all parties involved.