---
title: "Betrayal in the Sahara: How Russian Mercenaries Abandoned Allies in Mali to Rebel Attacks"
description: "Intelligence reports betrayal: in an ambush near Gao, Russian mercenaries abandoned Malian allies, leaving them without support. As a result, dozens of junta soldiers were killed, and the \"African Corps\" used them as \"cannon fodder\" for resources. 🇲🇱💣🚁"
date: 2026-07-26T11:50:00.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/betrayal-in-the-sahara-how-russian-mercenaries-abandoned-allies-in-mali
tags: [mali, african-corps, gur, russia, military-conflict]
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Betrayal in the Sahara: How Russian Mercenaries Abandoned Allies in Mali to Rebel Attacks

![Malian soldiers in camouflage uniforms and green berets stand in formation, awaiting support that did not come from Russian mercenaries.](https://xab.info/media/2026/07/26/predatelstvo-v-sakhare-kak-rossiyskie-naemniki-brosili-soyuznikov-v-mali/predatelstvo-v-sakhare-kak-rossiyskie-naemniki-brosili-soyuznikov-v-mali-1.webp)

Events in Mali, unfolding in early July 2026, reveal alarming details of the interaction between Russian military instructors and local forces. According to the Main Directorate of Intelligence (GUR) of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, published in RBK-Ukraine, during a battle in the Gao region, Russian military personnel left their allies without support, leading to catastrophic losses for the Malian junta's army.

### Ambush near Tabrisat

The incident occurred near the settlement of Tabrisat in northeastern Mali. A column consisting of personnel from the "African Corps" controlled by the Russian Ministry of Defense and units of the Malian junta fell into an ambush set up by local rebel groups.

According to intelligence data, during the attack, the column began to suffer significant losses in both armored vehicles and personnel. At a critical moment, Russian military personnel decided to retreat, leaving their Malian allies without ground and air support.

### Technical Superiority Not Used in Combat

The GUR emphasizes that the "African Corps" possessed powerful means to change the course of the battle but did not use them to cover their partners. The Russians had "Orion" drones, as well as Mi-24 and Mi-8 helicopters, yet none of these units were deployed to assist Malian soldiers.

### Casualties and Captivity

The consequences of the inaction of Russian mercenaries proved fatal for the Malian army. According to preliminary data, at least 60 servicemen were killed in the battle. At least 30 more people were taken prisoner by the rebels, and dozens received injuries of varying degrees of severity.

Ukrainian intelligence characterizes this episode as proof that Russia is using the soldiers of the Malian junta as "cannon fodder" to achieve its own geopolitical goals on the African continent.

### Accusations of Slavery and Corruption

The GUR statement contains harsh accusations against the leadership of the "African Corps". According to intelligence, Russian commanders behave like slave owners: soldiers of the Malian army perform the role of servants, doing menial work, cargo transport, and cleaning barracks.

Furthermore, corruption schemes within the command of the Malian army, created with the participation of Russians, have been exposed. This refers to the sale of small arms that were previously transferred as part of so-called "military aid".

### Resource Goals and Global Context

According to Ukrainian intelligence, Russia's main goal in Mali is to establish control over gold and uranium deposits, as well as to expand its sphere of influence in Africa.

These actions are taking place against the backdrop of the ongoing war in Ukraine. Earlier, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the Russian army loses more than 5–6 thousand military personnel weekly on the Ukrainian front, calling the conflict one of the bloodiest in history.