# Russia-backed Mali junta retakes strategic town after separatists withdraw

https://mins.news/en/item/89763

- France 24, 2026-10-07 13:55 UTC
- World
- Original: https://www.france24.com/en/video/20261007-russia-backed-mali-junta-retakes-strategic-town-after-separatists-withdraw

> Mali’s army says it has entered Kidal as it advanced after Tuareg separatists announced their withdrawal from the strategic northern city. The separatists seized it around five months ago, and the junta’s return is a symbolic boost for its Russian backers.

## Related coverage

- [Russia-backed Mali junta retakes strategic town after separatists withdraw](https://mins.news/en/video/89775) — France 24 English, 2026-10-07
- [Mali junta forces retake strategic town of Kidal from separatists](https://mins.news/en/item/88995) — DW, 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