Mali junta faces rebel threats

Mali's military government is struggling to maintain control following a series of devastating insurgent attacks that killed the nation's defense minister.

Al-Qaeda-linked jihadists and Tuareg separatist rebels have intensified their offensive, declaring a blockade of the capital, Bamako.

The reversals have severely dented Russia's image as a security guarantor in the region, as Wagner Group mercenaries were forced to retreat from key positions.

Despite the escalating crisis, the Kremlin has vowed to keep its forces in the country to support the junta against the growing threat of an African caliphate.