Russia tightens grip on Mali as it trains over 20 airborne troops with Mi-8AMTSh helicopter amid U.S. push to return to the Sahel

Russia has deepened its military footprint in Mali after instructors linked to Moscow trained more than 20 airborne troops using a Russian-marked Mi-8AMTSh helicopter, sharpening the contest for influence in the Sahel as the United States seeks a return to the region.