Mali: Government reports rebel attacks in the north, major towns targeted

Bamako (Mali), 4 July (LaPresse/AP) – The Malian authorities have stated that several towns in the north of the country, including the major cities of Gao and Sévaré, have been targeted by rebel attacks. The statement came as a rebel group in Mali announced a new offensive to capture a city in the north. Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadane, a spokesperson for the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA), stated in a Facebook post that the town of Anefis had been targeted by the group. In the past, Mali has faced insurgencies led by militants affiliated with al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, as well as a separatist rebellion in the north of the country.