Russian mercenaries from the Wagner group have suffered heavy casualties in a new wave of fighting between government forces and rebels for control of lucrative gold mines in the Central African Republic (CAR).

The clashes come amid growing instability in the anarchic, resource-rich country that has become one of Russia's main centers of influence in sub-Saharan Africa in recent years.

Rebel sources say seven to 17 Wagner fighters were among the dozens of casualties.

Experts say hard numbers are hard to come by, but it's clear Wagner suffered relatively heavy casualties.

Source.