Russian General With Wagner Ties Reappears In Algeria

Sergei Surovikin, a prominent Russian general known as "General Armageddon," has reemerged in Algeria after a period of disappearance from public view following the Wagner mercenary group's attempted mutiny in June. General Surovikin, who played a significant role in Russia's military campaign in Ukraine, was removed from his position as commander of Russia's aerospace force in August. This decision came two months after the Wagner mercenary group made an unsuccessful attempt to undermine Russia's military leadership. General Surovikin acted as a mediator between the Russian military and the Wagner group, led by Yevgeny Prigozhin. Photographs of General Surovikin surfaced on the Facebook page of the grand mosque in the Algerian coastal city of Oran. In these images, he is seen alongside Russian officers in military attire, as well as the mosque's imam, Abu Abdallah Zebar. The images were picked up by Russian media on Friday. However, the purpose of General Surovikin's visit to Algeria has not been officially disclosed, and Moscow has not issued any statements regarding the matter. Speculation had surrounded General Surovikin's whereabouts after he withdrew from public life following the Wagner group's failed rebellion in June. During the 24-hour mutiny led by Wagner, General Surovikin issued a video appeal, urging the group to cease their actions and obey the orders of the elected president of Russia. General Surovikin's reappearance in Algeria raises questions about his current role and diplomatic engagements, as well as the broader implications for Russia's international relations in the context of the Wagner group's actions.