The Malian army has regained control of Kidal, a key city in the north of Mali, following the withdrawal of Tuareg rebels from the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA). The FLA announced their departure on Tuesday, October 6th, describing it as a “strategic” and “controlled” retreat to protect civilians from disproportionate aerial attacks by the army and its Russian partners. Kidal fell under FLA and JNIM (a group affiliated with Al-Qaeda) control in April after coordinated attacks across the country, marking a significant setback for the ruling junta in Bamako. The Malian army, alongside Russian mercenaries from Africa Corps, launched extensive air and ground operations to recapture the city on Tuesday morning. The FLA claims its withdrawal is temporary, aimed at preserving its forces, and denies any direct clashes with advancing troops. They further accuse Bamako's strikes of destroying critical infrastructure and endangering civilian lives – accusations that remain unverified.