Malian Official Accuses Russian Forces of 'Betrayal' After Kidal Falls to Rebels

Mali's crisis deepened after Russian paramilitaries withdrew from Kidal, allowing jihadist and Tuareg rebel forces to seize the strategic city. A senior Malian official accused Russian forces of 'betrayal', stating they were warned three days before the attack but did nothing. The loss of Kidal, a symbol of control over northern Mali, has opened a new political and military crisis for the ruling junta.