The town of Tinzaouatène has been the epicenter of clashes since Thursday, July 25, between rebels from the Strategic and Permanent Framework (CSP) and the Malian army, which is heavily supported by Russian mercenaries. The latter two forces are claiming victory, but have in reality suffered setbacks and significant losses, according to several sources.
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With our correspondent in the region, Serge Daniel
In three different press releases, the Malian army gave her version of the facts. She was faced with a coalition of ” terrorists ” and admits to having lost two soldiers while in the enemy camp, there are ” more than twenty people killed “.
This version of events is categorically denied by the rebels and other sources. In reality, explains the spokesman for the CSP fighters, the Malian army and its inseparable ally on the ground, the Russian mercenaries, have suffered setbacks and very heavy losses. Our interlocutor shows images taken on the ground by the same rebels, statements and photos before concluding: “ The provisional report reveals the death and capture of several dozen enemies facing them. »
An elected official from northern Mali – who cannot be accused of being a sympathizer of the rebellion – confirms this information: according to him, the Russian mercenaries and the Malian army lost the battles of the last three days in the Tinzaouatène area with significant losses. The Malian armed forces claim for their part that they voluntarily left the Tinzaouatène sector after three days of clashes.