Global Resistance to Aggressors: How Tuareg Success in Mali Supports Israel and Ukraine's Fight Against the International 'Axis of Evil'

In northern Mali, near the border with Algeria, Tuareg rebels have routed a government convoy, mostly made up of Wagner Group mercenaries, seizing their vehicles, armored vehicles, and tankers, the agency reported.Reuters“.

It is reported that there were two Tuareg casualties, and at least 20 mercenaries. Among the dead was also Nikita Fedyanin, the author of the Russian propaganda channel GREY ZONE.

Also killed in Mali was Wagner commander Anton Elizarov (Lotus), who had previously led the offensives on Soledar and Bakhmut during the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Russian mercenaries have been in Mali since 2021: in 2020, the military seized power again, and a year later, the junta invited the Wagner Group to provide security

Mali's Permanent Strategic Partnership for Peace, Security and Development (CSP-PSD) coalition said fighting had been ongoing since July 25 near the town of Tinzouaten. Some of the surviving Malian troops and Russian mercenaries fled, while others surrendered.

Mali's Defense Ministry confirmed that two soldiers were killed and 10 wounded in clashes in the north of the country. It also reported the deaths of at least 20 rebels. Russian channels linked to the Wagner Group private military company have been publishing photos and videos from Mali showing dead bodies and burned-out equipment.

A former employee of the UN mission in the city of Kidal told the Associated Press that at least 15 Russian mercenaries were killed or captured. A member of the Tuareg separatist movement, Mossa Ag Inzoma, reported “many dozens” of killed and captured. Russian Z-channels cite different figures for the losses of PMC mercenaries – from 20 to 50 people.

One of the Tuaregs also reached out to the Ukrainians, offering them captured Russian mercenaries as a sign of support and solidarity with Ukraine.

This information demonstrates the continuing difficult situation in Mali and the significant influence of Wagner Group mercenaries in the region. The links between Russian mercenaries and Malian government forces highlight the international dimension of the conflict, as well as Russia’s role in supporting local governments and conflict situations.

An Israeli journalist had an interesting comment on this matter. Sergey Auslender:

“I don't really understand why everyone is so excited about the defeat of the Wagner unit, which was carried out in Mali by local Tuareg rebels. According to various sources, up to a hundred killed and several dozen captured. The Ukrainians inflicted such losses on the Wagner forces every day during the battle for Bakhmut and Soledar. Have you forgotten the video of Prigozhin, Shoigu, Gerasimov, a bitch and a bunch of corpses in the background? In 2018, the Americans in two hours near Hamash cut up a battalion group, without any close contact, but okay, they were Americans after all.

Here, it seems to me, we are dealing with classic “white man's arrogance”. Some Tuaregs, in skirts and flip-flops, who are they anyway, they have camels, we have armored vehicles and helicopters. The usual underestimation of the enemy and complete ignorance of history, terrain and the fact that for about 200 years the only constant occupation of these people has been war. And what about a helicopter, a helicopter can be shot down, armored vehicles are knocked out with regular RPGs, a classic ambush, blowing up several vehicles, suppressive fire, encirclement, superiority in the number of guns, hello.

And the fact that the Horde propaganda immediately started singing about “Western instructors” who organized all this carnage only confirms my assumption. You can't admit (even to yourself) that your warriors were defeated dry by some “bogeymen”. They quickly forgot Afghanistan, they didn't read history textbooks well.

Well, the proposal to hand over the prisoners to Ukraine is, of course, pure trolling, albeit at a rather high level.”

Conclusions on the impact of events in Mali on the fight of Israel and Ukraine against aggressors and the “axis of evil”

1. Growing global resistance to Russian interference:
   • Events in Mali demonstrate that even in remote regions, mercenaries from the Wagner Group PMC face serious resistance. The success of the Tuaregs in the fight against Russian mercenaries may inspire other countries and regions affected by Russian intervention to step up their fight and cooperation. This is important for Ukraine, which is actively opposing Russian aggression.
2. Symbolic support for Ukraine:
   • The Tuaregs, who offered captured Russian mercenaries to Ukrainians, are underlining international solidarity with Ukraine. This is not only a symbolic gesture, but also shows that the confrontation with Russia finds resonance and support beyond Europe. Such solidarity can strengthen the morale of Ukrainians and strengthen international coalitions against Russian aggression.
3. International Axis of Evil and Global Security:
   • Events in Mali illustrate the breadth of Russia’s destabilizing activities and its global ambitions. Israel and Ukraine, which face threats from multiple sources, may view this as confirmation of the existence of an international “axis of evil” that includes countries and groups supported by Russia. This understanding could strengthen cooperation among countries seeking to ensure global security.
4. Raising awareness of Russian disinformation:
   • The example of fake videos purporting to be from Hamas but created by Russian disinformation groups highlights the importance of countering Russian propaganda and disinformation. Israel, which regularly faces such information attacks, can use these events to raise awareness and strengthen its information systems. Ukraine, in turn, already has significant experience in combating Russian disinformation and can share its methods and strategies.

Conclusion

Events in Mali show that Russia continues to use mercenaries and disinformation to achieve its geopolitical goals. These methods are also reflected in other regions, including Ukraine and Israel. Global resistance to Russian interference, solidarity and cooperation between countries that have suffered from aggression can strengthen the common fight against the international “axis of evil” and contribute to global security.

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