Russian paramilitary forces conduct airstrikes in Mali as rebel offensive advances
Footage from last weekend's rebel offensive in Mali reveals that Russian paramilitary forces conducted airstrikes but failed to halt the insurgent advance. The Africa Corps withdrew from a key base, undermining Mali's military leadership's security credentials.

Developments in Mali are reshaping geopolitical dynamics across West Africa. Footage from last weekend's insurgent offensive shows Russian-linked paramilitary forces conducting airstrikes, yet the rebels continued their advance. Mali's military leadership, reliant on the Africa Corps for security, watched as the force withdrew from one of its most critical bases, undermining the junta's security credibility.
France has urged its citizens to evacuate Mali, with the UK issuing similar warnings. Mali's instability weakens the nation's position within the African Union and ECOWAS frameworks. The security of the country's energy and mineral resources is now in jeopardy, with implications for regional and global supply chains.
Meanwhile, Zambia's negotiations with the US over mineral trade preferences highlight how Africa's strategic resources face mounting geopolitical pressure. India's preparations to ramp up military drone exports to Africa signal a broader reshaping of regional power dynamics and defense capabilities.
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