Russian Wagner Fighters Captured, Traded for Ransom by Rebels in Mali: Security Source

by Gatimu Juma

Video on secure messaging channels depicts men sitting on the ground while blindfolded, wounded, and writhing in pain.

Following intense combat that left dozens of fighters dead or badly maimed, rebel commanders in Mali have ransomed off some of their captives from the Wagner Group and Malian Armed Forces, security sources said. Discussions continue in order to send medics to treat the wounded, and to purchase the release of more captives. This information was relayed to Soldier of Fortune by security contacts inside Mali, and has not been confirmed by Wagner leaders nor through official channels.

Armed groups inside Mali said they killed or wounded dozens of government soldiers and Wagner Group mercenaries in clashes July 25 and 26 near the Algerian border. The rebel faction, known as the Permanent Strategic Framework for Peace, Security, and Development (CSP-PSD), announced Saturday that its forces had captured armored vehicles, trucks, and tankers during intense fighting in Tinzaouaten, near the border.

The Malian military reported that the assault resulted in the deaths of two soldiers and injuries to 10 others, with additional damage to equipment. The army said it killed some 20 rebels.

Video on secure messaging channels depicts men sitting on the ground while blindfolded, wounded, and writhing in pain. Their hands are bound behind their backs. One such video is labeled “Wagner Z Group.” Soldier of Fortune was not able to verify who the men are, nor where and when the video was taken.

Unverified video screenshot

Wagner supporters say that the incident does not signal the group’s downfall.

“You cannot become the best army on Earth by avoiding danger or taking losses,” one supporter wrote in a message. “Difficulties make you stronger. Difficulties make me stronger. Difficulties make Wagner stronger.”

The Wagner flag will continue to fly throughout the world, and eventually in space, the supporter wrote.

This is not the first time a militant group has claimed to hold Wagnerites inside Mali.

READ MORE: Jihadists Say They Captured Russian Wagner Fighters in Mali

A Mali jihadist group claimed in April 2022 that it captured a fighter from Russia’s privately owned Wagner military group. The group did not confirm what ultimately became of the captive.

The Wagner Group has seen its operations come under scrutiny following the death of its leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, in a plane crash in August 2023. Prigozhin’s death followed what appeared to be an aborted coup attempt against Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Conflict in Mali broke out in 2012, and spread to Burkina Faso and Niger.

A military junta took power in Mali in 2020, following a coup. 

Gatimu Juma is an expert on African militias.