Tuareg rebels exchange captured Malian soldiers for a leader in Niger-mediated deal

Tuareg rebels have released approximately 60 Malian soldiers as part of a prisoner exchange, securing the freedom of their leader, Inkinane Ag Attaher. Niger's government directly facilitated this swap. Ag Attaher, a former Malian army officer, was arrested in 2025 near the Niger-Nigeria border on accusations of organizing drone training and coordinating deadly attacks in Mali. This exchange represents a significant development in the ongoing conflict and regional efforts towards de-escalation.