Rebels seize Bayraktar drone base in Mali and push back Russian forces despite Kremlin reinforcements

An alliance of Azawad rebels and JNIM Islamist fighters is intensifying attacks against the Malian military junta and Russian mercenaries of the so-called “African Corps”, gradually gaining ground and capturing equipment.

JNIM stands for Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin – a powerful jihadist coalition operating in the Sahel region of West Africa.

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

Open source analysts, including Clement Molin And Casus Bellisay rebels have taken control of the northern Mali town of Kidal, home to one of the largest Russian bases in the African country.

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

Molin says the capture of Kidal is both a strategic and symbolic victory for Tuareg forces, who view the city as central to their long-standing ambitions for autonomy.

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

Russian-Malian troops also withdrew from Tessalit, opening the way for advances towards Aguelhok and Anéfis, and forcing a wider retreat towards the Gao region.

Further withdrawals have been reported in the gold-rich Intaasa region, once touted as a key gain for the government.

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

Previous clashes in Kidal saw Russian forces lose several vehicles, including a BTR-82A, a Chinese-made VP11 and a captured Tornado-U. Casualties among the mercenaries were also 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 its stake after Wagner's departure

The fighting comes as Moscow strengthens its military presence in Mali following the withdrawal of the Wagner group after a series of setbacks.

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

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

The move follows the aftermath of the failed 2023 mutiny led by Yevgeny Prigozhin, when Wagner's forces briefly turned against Russia's military leadership.

Since then, the Kremlin has taken steps to more closely control all foreign operations. Forces linked to the Ministry of Defense have replaced Wagner units in countries like Syria, Libya and now Mali.