The Tuareg rebels in the northern region of Mali made an unexpected comeback countering the army’s claim about the discovery of a mass grave on November 16.

In a statement Wednesday evening, the separatists denied the existence of such a grave in Kidal which it had occupied until the recent military air and land offensives to recapture the territory.

The rebels argued that the allegations were fabricated and a pure diversion intended to hide the horrible massacres committed by the Malian army and the private military contractor -Wagner.

It is important to note that the armed forces had recently carried out land and air operations in the northern region after hostilities resumed following eight years of calm.

At the centre of the renewed fighting in mid-August was over the control of bases being left behind by MINUSMA.

With no information coming out of Kidal and all communication links cut, claims by the army and the rebels are unverifiable.