Armed groups struck a Mali army base and bombed Timbuktu airport during morning attacks. Fighters tried breaking into the military camp around 10 AM before soldiers stopped them. The army killed 13 attackers and searched the ancient city for other fighters. Shells hit the airport located two kilometers from downtown but caused little damage. Military officials said they controlled the area after the raid ended.
Attackers drove an explosive-packed truck toward the base before it exploded near the entrance gate. Heavy shooting rang across Timbuktu as people locked themselves inside homes. UN staff received warnings to avoid windows and find safe places during the battle. Local reporters heard gunfire from the camp direction throughout morning hours. Russian troops at the airport helped block raiders from taking the airfield.
Mali faces regular attacks from Al-Qaeda and Islamic State fighters since troubles started during 2012. Armed groups controlled Timbuktu for months and smashed old Muslim monuments with heavy equipment. French soldiers helped reclaim the historic city through Operation Serval one year later. Current rulers cut French connections after seizing power and partnered with Russia instead. September raids on capital city Bamako marked the first major strike there since 2016.
Attackers drove an explosive-packed truck toward the base before it exploded near the entrance gate. Heavy shooting rang across Timbuktu as people locked themselves inside homes. UN staff received warnings to avoid windows and find safe places during the battle. Local reporters heard gunfire from the camp direction throughout morning hours. Russian troops at the airport helped block raiders from taking the airfield.
Mali faces regular attacks from Al-Qaeda and Islamic State fighters since troubles started during 2012. Armed groups controlled Timbuktu for months and smashed old Muslim monuments with heavy equipment. French soldiers helped reclaim the historic city through Operation Serval one year later. Current rulers cut French connections after seizing power and partnered with Russia instead. September raids on capital city Bamako marked the first major strike there since 2016.
