In Mali, a catastrophic incident unfolded as a Russian Ilyushin Il-76 aircraft crashed during its landing attempt, resulting in a fiery inferno. The ill-fated flight reportedly carried individuals suspected to be mercenaries associated with the notorious 'Wagner' group.
According to The Telegraph, the calamity struck immediately upon touchdown at Mali's Gao International Airport, leading to a devastating explosion that left the aircraft virtually incinerated, as starkly depicted in on-site images.
Despite the gravity of the situation, Malian military authorities have remained conspicuously silent, offering no official statement regarding the mishap. However, according to European journalists, this tragic event occurred on September 23 and resulted in 'numerous fatalities,' all presumed to be Russian mercenaries.
It's crucial to emphasize that Mali vehemently denies any overt collaboration with Russia's infamous 'Wagner' group, known for its involvement in active military operations, notably in Ukraine. Mali's government asserts that their engagement is exclusively with official Russian military personnel, who provide support to the national army in counterterrorism endeavors.
Nonetheless, even with Russia's active involvement in Mali, the country remains susceptible to radical elements. Recent years have seen a disconcerting surge in terrorist attacks on Malian soil, with an alarming 15% increase and over 150 individuals falling victim to attacks in the past month alone.
Tragically, the founder of 'Wagner,' Yevgeny Prigozhin, met his demise in a separate aviation accident. Prigozhin lost his life on August 23 when his private aircraft tragically crashed in the Tver region while en route from Moscow to St. Petersburg.
This heart-wrenching incident also claimed the lives of several members of the 'Wagner' group. Divergent hypotheses circulate regarding the precise cause of the aircraft's destruction, ranging from technical malfunctions during landing to the possibility of a missile strike.
On August 29, a solemn and discreet burial ceremony was conducted to inter Yevgeny Prigozhin. The ceremony unfolded in a 'closed format' at St. Petersburg's 'Porokhovskoe' cemetery and saw the participation of approximately 30 individuals, primarily comprising close relatives and trusted acquaintances. Yevgeny Prigozhin was laid to rest alongside his father.
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