The Kremlin announced on Thursday that Russian forces will remain in Mali to assist the country's military-led government in battling insurgents. This decision follows a surprise offensive launched by a Tuareg-dominated separatist group and West Africa's al Qaeda affiliate.
The attacks, described as the largest against the military junta's rule in 15 years, targeted a series of cities and military bases. West Africa's al Qaeda affiliate has claimed to have seized more territory as part of this offensive.
Russia has rejected calls from Tuareg rebels for Moscow to withdraw from the region. However, the targeting of cities and military bases by Islamic insurgents has forced Russian troops to withdraw.