US asks what's next for Russia's Wagner in Middle East, Africa

FILE PHOTO: An advertising board, which promotes service in Wagner private mercenary group, is on display on the roadside in Saint Petersburg, Russia, June 24, 2023. A slogan on the board reads: "Accede to the team of victors!" REUTERS/Anton Vaganov/File Photo

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States is examining how the Wagner Group's short-lived mutiny against Russia's military establishment might affect the mercenaries' operations in the Middle East and Africa, officials said.

Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozhin startled the world by leading an armed revolt on Saturday that brought his fighters from the Ukrainian border to within 200 kilometers (125 miles) of Moscow before he abruptly called off the uprising.