Tuareg rebels of the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) coalition gather at the Kidal roundabout in Kidal, on April 26, 2026. April 25, 2026's shock attacks, synchronised by Tuareg rebels of the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) coalition and the jihadist Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), targeted several areas in the vast arid country. Fighting resumed on April 26 in several areas, including Kita near Bamako, Kidal, Gao and Severe. Tuareg rebels meanwhile announced an agreement allowing Russian forces backing Mali's army to withdraw from the northern city of Kidal, which they claimed was "totally" under their control. (Photo by AFP) / The erroneous mention[s] appearing in the metadata of this photo by - has been modified in AFP systems in the following manner: [Removes byline]. Please immediately remove the erroneous mention[s] from all your online services and delete it (them) from your servers. If you have been authorized by AFP to distribute it (them) to third parties, please ensure that the same actions are carried out by them. Failure to promptly comply with these instructions will entail liability on your part for any continued or post notification usage. Therefore we thank you very much for all your attention and prompt action. We are sorry for the inconvenience this notification may cause and remain at your disposal for any further information you may require.
In a striking display of tactical triumph, Touareg fighters from the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) and the Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM) have showcased their victory on social media. The footage reveals these combatants proudly standing atop armored trucks abandoned by fleeing Russian mercenaries. Just 48 hours after Kidal fell to their forces, the 400-strong Africa Corps (formerly known as Wagner Group) executed a hasty retreat from the northern Malian city under heavy security.
The FLA took to X (formerly Twitter) to announce the completion of an agreement with elements of Africa Corps to ensure the secure withdrawal of their forces from Kidal. This unexpected turn of events has left the Malian junta scrambling to comprehend the implications of this strategic setback.
