In a meticulously staged counteroffensive, Tuareg fighters from the Front de Libération de l’Azawad (FLA) or the Jnim (Group for Support of Islam and Muslims) have claimed victory in a series of viral social media videos. The footage shows these combatants proudly standing atop abandoned Russian-made armored vehicles, left behind during the hasty retreat of Africa Corps mercenaries. Two days after the FLA captured Kidal in northern Mali, the 400-strong Africa Corps paramilitary unit evacuated the city under armed escort.
The FLA confirmed via a post on X (formerly Twitter) the finalization of a « secure withdrawal agreement » between Azawadian forces and Africa Corps elements, ensuring a safe exit from Kidal.