# Mali junta forces retake strategic town of Kidal from separatists

https://mins.news/en/item/88995

- DW, 2026-10-07 02:45 UTC
- World
- Original: https://www.dw.com/en/mali-junta-forces-retake-strategic-town-of-kidal-from-separatists/a-79570617?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf

> Mali’s army, backed by Russia’s Africa Corps, has re-entered the northern strategic town of Kidal after Tuareg separatists and al-Qaeda-linked fighters withdrew. The Azawad Liberation Front said its pullout was a controlled strategic withdrawal without direct fighting. Analysts described the recapture as a symbolic boost for the junta rather than a decisive gain against jihadist and separatist groups.

## Related coverage

- [Russia-backed Mali junta retakes strategic town after separatists withdraw](https://mins.news/en/item/89763) — France 24, 2026-10-07
- [Russia-backed Mali junta retakes strategic town after separatists withdraw](https://mins.news/en/video/89775) — France 24 English, 2026-10-07
- [Tuareg rebels withdraw from strategic town of Kidal in northern Mali](https://mins.news/en/item/88455) — Al Jazeera, 2026-10-06