This article is from the source 'nytimes' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/19/world/africa/mali-rebels-attack-and-seize-hostages.html

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Mali Rebels Attack and Seize Hostages Mali Rebels Attack and Seize Hostages
(4 months later)
BAMAKO, Mali — Separatist Tuareg rebels launched an assault on the city of Kidal in northern Mali over the weekend, killing eight soldiers, storming government buildings and taking 30 hostages in a “declaration of war” on the government, officials said Sunday. BAMAKO, Mali — Separatist Tuareg rebels launched an assault on the city of Kidal in northern Mali over the weekend, killing eight soldiers, storming government buildings and taking 30 hostages in a “declaration of war” on the government, officials said Sunday.
The attack was apparently prompted by a visit to Kidal on Saturday by the newly appointed prime minister, Moussa Mara, highlighting regional hostility toward the central government in Bamako and casting further doubt on the viability of reconciliation efforts in the wake of the turmoil experienced by the country since 2012. The upheaval has included a coup, a Tuareg-led rebellion in the north that was hijacked by militants linked to Al Qaeda, and a military intervention by foreign forces.The attack was apparently prompted by a visit to Kidal on Saturday by the newly appointed prime minister, Moussa Mara, highlighting regional hostility toward the central government in Bamako and casting further doubt on the viability of reconciliation efforts in the wake of the turmoil experienced by the country since 2012. The upheaval has included a coup, a Tuareg-led rebellion in the north that was hijacked by militants linked to Al Qaeda, and a military intervention by foreign forces.
The violence began Saturday morning when the rebels launched an assault on the governor’s office, where officials had gathered to meet Mr. Mara, according to a government statement. Mr. Mara stayed in the army barracks and then left Kidal on Sunday for another northern city, Gao.The violence began Saturday morning when the rebels launched an assault on the governor’s office, where officials had gathered to meet Mr. Mara, according to a government statement. Mr. Mara stayed in the army barracks and then left Kidal on Sunday for another northern city, Gao.
Fighting continued throughout the day, and eight soldiers were killed and 25 wounded, according to a separate Defense Ministry statement. The statement also said that 28 assailants were killed and 62 were wounded.Fighting continued throughout the day, and eight soldiers were killed and 25 wounded, according to a separate Defense Ministry statement. The statement also said that 28 assailants were killed and 62 were wounded.
The Defense Ministry said Malian soldiers had regained control of all administrative buildings in Kidal except the governor’s office. It was unclear where the hostages were being held.The Defense Ministry said Malian soldiers had regained control of all administrative buildings in Kidal except the governor’s office. It was unclear where the hostages were being held.