Fall of Syria’s Aleppo could create big problems for Russia in Africa

Leaders across Africa and the Middle East are watching carefully the successful rebel offensive on Aleppo in Syria, experts and observers say, as this could create big problems for Russians and its so-called Africa Corps on the African continent.
Experts and observers say that if the rebel offensive launched in the Syrian province of Aleppo by the militiamen of Hayat Tahrir al Sham and other groups, supported by Turkey, were to succeed, it would potentially be a fatal blow for Russia. In particular, it could create big problems for the Kremlin and its interests in the countries of the Sahel and North Africa, where there are units of the Africa Corps (formerly Wagner group) and Russian instructors. According to the Russian website “Africa Initiative”, the offensive could encourage the United States and Turkey to launch a second front against Russia in parts of Africa to distract part of the Russian Armed Forces from the war in Ukraine, in order to alleviate the situation of the Kiev military.
The likelihood of a “third front” opening against Russia in Africa would be strengthened by the fact that, on the continent, Moscow is opposed to Washington, Ankara and their NATO partners. The Kyiv Independent has reported that Russia is sending private mercenaries, including those from Africa Corps, to Syria to reinforce its troops there, citing its sources from the Ukrainian military intelligence agency (HUR). “Leaders in Africa or the Middle East aren’t drawing any firm conclusions just yet,” said Marat Gabidullin, a former Wagner mercenary who has since left the group. “They are waiting to see how things unfold before making any decisions.”