Malian army, Wagner regain Sevare, hold Gao

The Malian Armed Forces (FAMa), supported by the Wagner Group, have recaptured the city of Sevare from the Al-Qaeda-linked Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM). Government forces also retained control of Gao after jihadist forces withdrew into the desert at nightfall, though a second attack is feared. Meanwhile, rumors suggest Wagner is negotiating with Tuareg separatists for a safe withdrawal from its isolated positions in Tessalit, Aguelhok, and Kidal, which remain surrounded but supplied by air.