Rebels take key military base in Mali's north

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Bamako: The West African nation of Mali is facing a critical security crisis as the national army and its Russian mercenary allies surrendered the strategic Tessalit ‘super-camp’ to armed rebels.

This retreat follows a unified offensive by Tuareg-dominated FLA separatists and Al-Qaeda-linked JNIM jihadists, marking the largest assault in the country in nearly fifteen years. 

The fall of Tessalit, a crucial northern stronghold near the Algerian border, follows the rebel seizure of Kidal and the abandonment of the Aguelhok military base.

The escalating conflict has resulted in significant high-level casualties, including the death of Defense Minister Sadio Camara during a car bomb attack. Beyond military losses, the humanitarian toll is rising; UNICEF reported that children have been killed and injured, with schools and health centers being occupied or attacked. 

While the Alliance of Sahel States has launched retaliatory air campaigns, the rebels have successfully implemented a road blockade on the capital, Bamako. 

Military prosecutors now allege that active-duty personnel and exiled politicians were complicit in coordinating these devastating strikes.

Photo Credits: AFP