Mali’s army has regained control of the strategic northern town of Anefis following nearly a week of fighting against rebel forces. Located about 100 kilometers from Kidal, a strategic town seized by al Qaeda-linked militants and Tuareg separatists in April, Anefis fell to the same groups in a recent coordinated attack. However, the groups failed to capture a nearby military base, where Malian troops, supported by Russian Africa Corps personnel, maintained their position. Eventually, reinforcements arrived from Gao and, together with the troops stationed at the base, successfully retook Anefis. Tuareg separatists later said they withdrew to avoid civilian casualties. The latest fighting underscores Mali’s worsening security crisis despite repeated pledges by the country’s military-led government to restore stability.
Africanews