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

https://mins.news/en/video/89775

- France 24 English, 2026-10-07 13:55 UTC
- World
- Original: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3g2LiJQOMM

> Mali’s army says it has entered the northern strategic city of Kidal, which Tuareg separatists seized about five months ago. The separatists announced their withdrawal earlier Tuesday as the military advanced, in a symbolic boost for the junta and its Russian backers.

## Related coverage

- [Russia-backed Mali junta retakes strategic town after separatists withdraw](https://mins.news/en/item/89763) — France 24, 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
- [Mali separatists announce withdrawal from strategic northern town](https://mins.news/en/item/88256) — Reuters, 2026-10-06