Russian fighters have confirmed their withdrawal from the northern Mali city of Kidal after coming under attack from separatist forces over the weekend. Ethnic Tuareg fighters now say they control the strategic city following the coordinated assaults.

The attacks were carried out by Tuareg separatist groups working alongside Islamist militant organizations in what appears to have been a coordinated offensive against Russian military presence in the region. The withdrawal represents a significant setback for Russia's military operations in Mali.

Kidal has been a key strategic location in northern Mali, serving as an important base for foreign military operations in the Sahel region. The city has previously been contested by various armed groups seeking control over northern Mali's territory.

The attacks occurred amid ongoing instability in Mali's northern regions, where various armed groups including separatists and jihadist organizations have maintained a presence. Russian forces, operating as part of the Africa Corps, had established positions in the area as part of Moscow's broader military engagement across the African continent.

Analysts suggest the defeat could have broader implications for Russian influence in West Africa, where Moscow has been expanding its military and political presence in recent years. The withdrawal comes as jihadist attacks continue to pose challenges for both local and foreign forces operating in the Sahel region.