Tuareg rebels have taken control of a strategic military base in northern Mali following the withdrawal of Malian army forces and members of the so-called “African Corps” linked to Russia, marking a significant expansion of Azawad Liberation Front influence in the region.

The development comes about a week after coordinated attacks carried out by the rebels in alliance with groups linked to Al-Qaeda, targeting the capital Bamako and several other cities. The attacks reportedly resulted in the assassination of Mali’s defense minister, General Sadio Camara, and the capture of Kidal in the north.

Videos and images shared by activists from northern Mali appear to show rebels entering the military base without resistance, suggesting an organized withdrawal by the forces previously stationed there.