At least six Russian mercenaries were killed in an attack by an al-Qaida-linked group in central Mali, according to a statement by the extremists on its media platform

At least six Russian mercenaries were killed in an attack by an al-Qaida-linked group in Mali, highlighting the ongoing security challenges in the region.

BAMAKO - At least seven mercenaries from Russia's Wagner private military contractor group were killed in an attack in central Mali that was claimed by an affiliate of al Qaeda in North Africa, Site Intelligence group said Friday.

Wagner Group mercenaries faced fatalities in an ambush in Mali, as reported by AP and JNIM, raising concerns over regional security dynamics.

Seven mercenaries from Russia's Wagner group were killed in central Mali in an attack claimed by an al Qaeda affiliate. This incident underscores the ongoing security challenges in the Sahel region, where armed groups continue to combat military efforts from Mali and its neighbors.

This information was provided on Friday by the American intelligence organization Site Intelligence Group, which monitors jihadist activities on the internet.