Rebels announce killing of 50 Russian soldiers and 10 Malian soldiers

Rebels linked to the Islamist group al-Qaeda have announced that they have killed dozens of soldiers, including at least 50 Russian mercenaries and 10 Malian soldiers, local media reported.

It comes after they were attacked in an ambush in Mali’s northern Kidal region near the border with Algeria on Saturday, according to the SITE Intelligence Group.

Tuareg rebel movement known as the Permanent Strategic Framework for Peace, Security and Development (CSP-PSD) have claimed the reponsability of the attack.

Malian authorities have accused Tuareg and jihadist groups of collaborating.

Wagner commander Sergei Shevchenko was among the victims.