Wagner/FAMa Capture Kidal — Wagner Hoists Skull Flag Over Historic Fort

After fighting November 10–14, a decisive Wagner-led night assault captures Kidal from the Tuareg CSP-PSD coalition. Wagner mercenaries hoist their skull-and-crossbones flag over Kidal Fort on November 22 — a widely circulated image — before the Malian flag replaces it November 26. Critics note JNIM rapidly moves into surrounding territory vacated by the retreating Tuareg forces.