Tuareg Rebels Capture Chinese Norinco VP11 MRAP in Combat Against Wagner Forces in Mali.

Tuareg rebels in northern Mali have claimed to have inflicted heavy losses on Malian soldiers and Wagner Group mercenaries over two days of fighting near the Algerian border. While the Malian army reported losing two soldiers and killing about 20 rebels, the rebels stated they had seized armored vehicles, trucks, and tankers in the border town of Tinzaouaten.
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Recently released images from the Tuareg rebels show that at least one of these VP11 MRAPs has been captured by them. (Picture source: Social Media)

In March 2023, around 100 Norinco VP11 Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protected (MRAP) vehicles, including VP11 4×4 Light MRAPs and Lynx CS/VP11 ATVs, were delivered to Mali to support their efforts against insurgents. Recently released images from the Tuareg rebels show that at least one of these MRAPs has been captured by them. Additionally, the rebels reported damaging a helicopter, which subsequently crashed in Kidal, a town located hundreds of kilometers away.

According to the Malian army, two soldiers were killed and ten injured. They confirmed a helicopter crash in Kidal on Friday during a routine mission but reported no casualties from the crash.

Several Russian military bloggers stated on Sunday that at least 20 Wagner Group mercenaries were killed in an ambush near the Algerian border. Semyon Pegov, a Russian military blogger known as War Gonzo, reported that Wagner PMC members moving in a convoy with government troops were killed, with some captured. The Baza Telegram channel, linked to Russian security structures, confirmed the information, reporting at least 20 Wagner fighters killed.

The VP11 is a lightweight 4x4 MRAP (Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protected) armored vehicle developed by NORINCO, a Chinese company under the China North Industries Group Corporation (CNGC). This vehicle was designed to meet the increased requirements for 4x4 tactical vehicles, offering high protection not only against bullets but also against mines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Compared to heavy-duty MRAPs, the VP11 has better mobility and cross-country capability, with a lower center of gravity, making it more stable on difficult terrains, especially in mountainous areas.

Regarding ballistic protection, the VP11 complies with STANAG 4569 Level 1 standards but can achieve Level 2 with additional applique armor. For explosive protection, it can shield the crew from a 10 kg TNT explosion under the wheels or an 8 kg TNT explosion under the hull. Its lightweight and compact structure provide good tactical and strategic mobility, and it can be equipped with either a UW1 remote weapon station or an open gun turret.

The VP11 measures 5300 mm in length, 2500 mm in width, and 2400 mm in height. It can accommodate a crew of 1 and transport up to 7 soldiers. With a ground clearance of 350 mm and a fording depth of 800 mm, the VP11 can reach a maximum road speed of 120 km/h. It can tackle gradients of 60% and side slopes of 30%. The vehicle operates effectively within a temperature range of -25°C to 50°C. With a primary weapon caliber of 800 mm and a magnification ratio of 12.7, the VP11 is a versatile and robust vehicle suited for various tactical missions.

Photo of the VP11 during an outdoor presentation in China. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The CSP-PSD (Permanent Strategic Framework for Peace, Security, and Development) rebel group released another statement on Sunday, claiming victory over a Malian army battalion supported by Wagner forces. They declared that the enemy had been "annihilated," with the few surviving soldiers and mercenaries taken prisoner. The CSP-PSD reported seven of their fighters killed and 12 injured.

The future of the Wagner Group has been uncertain since the death of its leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, in a plane crash in August, two months after leading a brief mutiny against the Russian defense establishment. Despite this, according to Baza's report, the Wagner Group has played a significant role in Mali since at least 2021.

The Tuaregs, an ethnic group in the Sahara, including northern Mali, have long felt marginalized by the Malian government. They initiated a separatist insurgency in 2012, which Islamist groups later hijacked. Despite signing a peace agreement with Bamako in 2015, the CSP-PSD withdrew from peace talks at the end of 2022.

The capture of these vehicles is significant, marking a first in the region, and comes just over a year after their delivery to the Malian government.

Delivery of Chinese VP11 MRAP vehicles to the government of Burkina Faso, which is also fighting rebels. (Picture source: Burkinabé MoD)