British troops withdraw from Mali after ruling govt sides with Putin’s mercenary thugs

BRITISH troops are withdrawing from Mali after the country’s ruling junta made a pact with Russian mercenaries. Some 300 troops had battled jihadis as part of the world’s most dangerous peacekeeping mission. News Group Newspapers LtdAround 300 troops have battled jihadis for three years as an iconic show of British support for UN peacekeeping[/caption] They were due to deploy for three years as an iconic show of British support for UN peacekeeping, but will now leave a year early. Armed Forces Minister James Heappey said it was wrong to risk soldiers’ lives when the Mali government “is not willing to work with us”. He added: “The work of our troops has been outstanding, and they should be proud of what they’ve achieved there.” He blasted Mali’s ruling elite, which seized power in a coup, for cutting a deal with Moscow’s ruthless Wagner group. READ MORE ARMY NEWS NEW DESERT RATS Brit Army Rangers prepare for Russians with desert drills in high-tech war ESPIONAGE WAR Secret army of 1,000 Russian agents is spying in the UK, top spooks believe Led by Yevgeny Prigozhin — known as “Putin’s chef” — it is also active in Ukraine, Libya and the Central African Republic. Mr Heappey said: “The Malian government’s partnership with the Wagner group is counter-productive to lasting stability and security in their region.” He signalled that British troops would now deploy to neighbouring West African nations. Most read in The Sun OH BABY! I was I'm A Celeb's most controversial campmate and faked PREGNANCY on show idle campers I'm A Celeb fans blast '3 lazy stars' & say camp gossips are 'stirring feud' SHOP TO IT Primark to launch click and collect at 25 stores today - see full list PIERS MORGAN United have betrayed me & made me black sheep, says Ronaldo in Piers interview HEARTBREAKING A Place in the Sun host & dad-of-3 Jonnie Irwin 'given just 6 months to live' INK-CREDIBLE Katie Price sizzles in bikini as she shows off tattoos in Thailand