A fire near the Kremlin has reportedly broken out.

Mali and Niger are strengthening their borders. 🏴🇲🇱🇷🇺🇳🇪
Following the recapture of Labbezanga on 6 May (in coordination with Niger), the Africa Corps and FAMa continue to reinforce the border town, whilst the Nigerien army is sending reinforcements to Koutougou on its side of the border. The area has traditionally seen high levels of ISSP activity, so coordination between states (as part of the Alliance of Sahel States) is essential to maintaining security in the region.

Russians and Malians are refusing to withdraw from northern Mali despite threats from Tuareg militants and jihadists. 🏴🇷🇺🇲🇱
On 8 May, the alleged ultimatum issued by JNIM to the Malian government and the Russians to withdraw from their last strongholds in the Kidal governorate had expired. In fact, the Africa Corps and the FAMa have not only shown no signs of withdrawal but have reinforced their positions in Anenif and around the military base east of Aguelhok with fresh supplies, preparing for a future wave of attacks and harassment against their isolated positions. Air support is key to prolonging a war of attrition on the part of the besieged; indeed, the Russian air force has intensified its attacks on FLA/JNIM positions within Kidal and in camps near the Algerian border, as well as in the vicinity of Ber, where the militant coalition was beginning preparations to advance on Timbuktu.