The Arabic media outlet Ro’ya for War Studies has reported that a large unit of the Malian army in Gao Province has surrendered to Al-Qaeda forces along with all its weapons and equipment.
Sources say that in return, Al-Qaeda forces guaranteed the safety of the soldiers and commanders, provided them with financial assistance, and ensured their safe return to their home areas.
Meanwhile, a senior leader of the “Azwad” front, Akli Shaka, has claimed that government forces and their supporting Wagner militias have withdrawn from many areas, and that Mali’s current regime will collapse within the next 72 hours.
Reports indicate that Russian militias faced serious challenges due to extreme heat and unfamiliar desert conditions, which led them to choose retreat.