Shocking Revelations: Wagner Forces Continue to Reign in Africa, Defense Official Confirms
The Kremlin's decision on the future of the Russian mercenary group, Wagner forces, remains uncertain following the death of its leader Contrary to claims, a senior US defense official asserts that there has been no substantial or meaningful withdrawal of these forces from Africa
According to a senior US defense official, there has been no significant or meaningful reduction of Wagner forces in Africa. The Kremlin is still considering its options regarding the Russian mercenary group since the death of its leaders. The official, who was accompanying the Secretary of Defense on a trip to Africa, mentioned that the number of Wagner forces in Africa, especially in the Central African Republic, Mali, and Libya, remains relatively constant.
The official suggested that Wagner forces have been attempting to take advantage of the July coup attempt in Niger as a way to enter the country. However, no further details were provided.
According to the official, Wagner appears to prioritize locations based on financial incentives. They often target areas abundant in natural resources, where local leaders are willing to pay a substantial price for the security services provided by Wagner. The official added that certain countries that entered into such agreements with Wagner have expressed regret to the US.
The US has not witnessed a significant change in Wagners connection with the Kremlin or any indications that Moscow has taken control of the group's activities throughout the region, according to an official. This likely stems from the fact that the Kremlin is still deliberating on how to handle the mercenary forces following the death of their long-time leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, the official added. Furthermore, the official mentioned that there have been instances of Russian military delegations visiting numerous countries to gauge the potential for official Russian military operations.
The uncertainty in Moscow regarding the fate of Wagner persists, as there hasn't been a clear direction on whether it will continue as a quasi-official entity, be undermined, absorbed by another organization, or handed over to private control due to the change in ownership.
The warlord was aboard a jet that crashed close to Moscow in August, precisely two months following his short-lived rebellion in Russia.
Many security experts are skeptical about Wagner's ability to endure without Prigozhin, raising significant concerns about the fate of the group's fighters, weaponry, and activities.
