World
Mali military, with Russian mercenary support, launches airstrikes against rebel alliance
Mali's military, backed by Russian mercenaries, launched airstrikes on a rebel alliance of Islamist extremists and Tuareg separatists as the junta struggles to maintain control. The strikes on Kidal are the latest escalation in a conflict that has seen significant casualties on both sides. Analysts say the junta is showing resilience but has yet to reclaim lost territory.
