22 Mali soldiers freed by Tuareg rebels, sources say

Tuareg separatist rebels freed 22 Mali government soldiers on Sunday, according to a security source, in the latest of several prisoner releases linked to fighting in the country.

A source close to Mali's ruling junta confirmed that about 20 soldiers were involved. The Tuareg Azawad Liberation Front said in a social media post that troops had been freed, but did not give a number.

Some of the soldiers had been captured recently and others had been held for more than three years, the junta source told AFP.

A security source said at least eight FLA fighters were freed in exchange for the troops. FLA spokesman Attaye Ag Mohamed said civilian detainees held in junta prisons, some for more than five years, were also freed under the deal.

The release follows other recent handovers. Mali's army said on August 13 that 82 soldiers held by Tuareg fighters since April battles had been freed. Three days later, six wounded troops were handed over. AFP reported on Saturday, citing sources, that two former Wagner Russian paramilitaries captured two years ago had also been released.

Mali has faced jihadist and separatist insurgencies for more than a decade. The military seized power after coups in 2020 and 2021, partly citing the need to end the violence.