Fresh Fighting Erupts in Mali's Kidal Between Tuareg Rebels and Government Forces
Heavy ground combat resumed in the key northern Malian town of Kidal between Tuareg rebels of the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA)—supported by jihadist factions—and Malian government forces backed by Russian Wagner mercenaries. The fighting follows coordinated rebel strikes across the Sahel nation aimed at driving Russian fighters from the region and reclaiming strategic strongholds.
Date: April 26, 2026
Location: Sahel, Mali
Conflict: Sahel Insurgency
Category: ground battle
Severity: HIGH
Casualties reported: 16
Source: AFP / HESPRESS