Mali's army and its Russian allies suffered a major setback and significant losses Saturday while fighting separatists in the country's north, a spokesman for the rebels told AFP. "Russian mercenaries and Malian armed forces have fled," he added. "The Malian army has retreated," a local politician told AFP, citing at least 17 dead in a provisional toll. The army and Wagner are no longer there," he added, referring to the Russian mercenary group. Fighting also took place further south toward Abeibara, the politician said.
