Rebels Seize Bayraktar Drone Base in Mali, Push Back Russian Forces Despite Kremlin Reinforcements

An alliance of Azawad rebels and Islamist fighters from JNIM is intensifying attacks on Mali’s military junta and Russian mercenaries from the so-called “Africa Corps,” steadily gaining ground and capturing equipment.

JNIM stands for Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin – a powerful jihadist coalition operating across West Africa’s Sahel region.

It was formed in 2017 through a merger of several Islamist militant groups and is officially aligned with al-Qaeda.

Open-source analysts, including Clément Molin and Casus Belli, say rebels have taken control of the northern city of Kidal, Mali – home to one of the largest Russian bases in the African country.

In Kidal, fighters reportedly seized a station used to operate Bayraktar TB2 drones delivered to Mali in 2022.

Molin says the capture of Kidal is both a strategic and symbolic win for Tuareg forces, who see the city as central to their longstanding autonomy ambitions.

The loss also disrupts supply routes to junta forces further north. Reports say Russian units withdrew from the city via a “green corridor” negotiated with rebels, avoiding direct combat.

Russian-Malian troops have also pulled back from Tessalit, opening the way for advances toward Aguelhok and Anefis, and forcing a broader retreat toward the Gao Region.

Further withdrawals were reported in the gold-rich Intaasa area, once presented as a key government gain.

Other Topics of Interest

Russian Shahed Drone Downed in Mali, Marking First Potential Use in Africa

Local rebels in Mali have reportedly shot down a Russian Shahed-136 strike drone, potentially marking the first confirmed use of the UAV in the Sahel region. Ukrainian sanctions official Vladislav Vlasyuk warned that Russia is exporting its drone warfare tactics to Africa using civilian dual-use electronics sourced from Western and Chinese manufacturers.

Despite heavy air and rocket strikes by Russian forces, the rebel advance continues. Fighters are increasingly using FPV drones and artillery to hit Russian-Malian positions.

Earlier clashes in Kidal saw Russian forces lose multiple vehicles, including a BTR-82A, a Chinese-made VP11, and a captured Tornado-U. Casualties among mercenaries have also been reported.

The African Corps has deployed heavy equipment, including BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicles and Tigr-M armored units, but has so far failed to stop the offensive.

Russia doubles down after Wagner exit

The fighting comes as Moscow ramps up its military presence in Mali following the withdrawal of the Wagner Group after a string of setbacks.

An investigation by The Sentry found that at least three large shipments of Russian military hardware – including tanks, armored vehicles and boats – arrived in Bamako in the first five months of 2025.

Wagner fighters, deployed since 2021, failed to secure decisive victories against insurgents or gain access to Mali’s lucrative gold sector. The group withdrew in June 2025, handing operations to the Kremlin-controlled Africa Corps.

The shift followed the fallout from the failed 2023 mutiny led by Yevgeny Prigozhin, when Wagner forces briefly turned against Russia’s military leadership.

Since then, the Kremlin has moved to bring all overseas operations under tighter control. Defense ministry-linked forces have replaced Wagner units in countries including Syria, Libya and now Mali.