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Mali clashes in Kidal leave civilians dead | Mali clashes in Kidal leave civilians dead |
(about 5 hours later) | |
At least 17 people, including eight civilians, have been killed in an attack by rebels in northern Mali, officials say. | |
The head of the mission, known as Minusma, called the killings in the town of Kidal a "barbaric crime". | The head of the mission, known as Minusma, called the killings in the town of Kidal a "barbaric crime". |
Saturday's fighting broke out between the army and Tuareg rebels during a visit by Prime Minister Moussa Mara. | |
In 2012 a Tuareg rebellion in northern Mali triggered a military coup and an Islamist takeover of the region. | |
Civilian rule was re-established in 2013, but Islamist and separatist forces remain active in some areas. | Civilian rule was re-established in 2013, but Islamist and separatist forces remain active in some areas. |
During Saturday's fighting the rebels captured the local governor's office, seizing 28 people. | During Saturday's fighting the rebels captured the local governor's office, seizing 28 people. |
Minusma head Albert Koenders called for an inquiry into the attack. | Minusma head Albert Koenders called for an inquiry into the attack. |
Earlier, Mr Mara said his government was now "at war" with the separatists. | Earlier, Mr Mara said his government was now "at war" with the separatists. |
The army said eight soldiers and 28 rebels were killed in Saturday's fighting, but the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA) rebels denied losing any fighters. | |
Officials say that a Senegalese peacekeeper was also killed. | |
Malian Defence Minister Soumeylou Boubeye Maiga has said reinforcements were being sent to Kidal. | Malian Defence Minister Soumeylou Boubeye Maiga has said reinforcements were being sent to Kidal. |
"We will double our troops on the ground if necessary," AFP news agency quoted him as saying. | "We will double our troops on the ground if necessary," AFP news agency quoted him as saying. |
The rebels are from the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA). | The rebels are from the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA). |
The United Nations is attempting to negotiate a truce between the Malian army and Tuareg rebels. | The United Nations is attempting to negotiate a truce between the Malian army and Tuareg rebels. |