Jihadists, Tuareg Allies Hit 5 Mali Sites as Fighting Rages in Anefis
Updated
Updated · Punch Newspapers · Jul 4
Jihadists, Tuareg Allies Hit 5 Mali Sites as Fighting Rages in Anefis
3 articles · Updated · Punch Newspapers · Jul 4
Summary
Coordinated attacks began around 5:00 a.m., hitting Gao, Anefis, Aguelhok, Sévaré and the Kenieroba prison complex, according to the army, residents and security sources.
Anefis appeared to be the main flashpoint: the Azawad Liberation Front said several positions had fallen, while a resident said armed groups were in the town but the army camp was still resisting.
In Gao, residents reported gunfire and loud blasts near an army camp; in Sévaré, explosions were followed by aircraft overhead. At Kenieroba, a prisoner said gunfire was continuing inside the major jail near Bamako.
The assault came more than two months after the same separatist and jihadist alliance struck the junta, killing Mali's defense minister, and after late-April offensives that helped the FLA seize Kidal.