Mauritania denies reports of Malian forces crossing border

The Mauritanian army has refuted social media claims about Malian military forces entering Mauritanian territory, according to an official statement released Wednesday night.

Military officials clarified that Malian forces operated near the village of Al-Aghdaf, passing through the camp of Ahl Al-Talib Abdullah, but remained within Malian territory. The statement emphasised that Malian forces never crossed the border between the two countries.

During the operation, Malian forces detained 18 individuals who were subsequently released following communication between Mauritanian and Malian authorities.

The Directorate of Communication and Public Relations stressed that Mauritanian military units stationed at the border would prevent any violation of territorial sovereignty.

The statement came in response to social media reports claiming Malian forces, allegedly supported by Wagner forces, had entered Mauritanian territory on Wednesday.