Reports indicate that insurgent forces in Mali have captured the city of Kidal, where a base used by Russian personnel from the so-called African Corps was located. It is also reported that the residence of Defense Minister Sadio Camara, considered close to Moscow, was destroyed in an explosion. Clashes are said to be ongoing near the capital Bamako and the nearby Kati military base, as well as in Gao and the central cities of Sevare and Mopti. The Russian Embassy in Mali stated that all attacks had been successfully repelled, though it did not mention the participation of the African Corps. At the same time, Russian pro-war sources are already reporting alleged agreements regarding the withdrawal of Russian forces from Kidal.