Tuareg rebels attack 6th town in Mali
2012-02-01 07:33
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Mali
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Bamako - A Tuareg rebel leader says that his group has attacked a town in Mali's distant north which is known as the childhood home of one of Mali's best known musicians.
It brings to six the number of towns the rebels have attacked since launching a new rebellion this month, the first since 2009.
Rebel spokesperson Moussa Ag Acharatoumane said by telephone from Paris on Tuesday that "operations are ongoing" in Niafunke. The attacks could not be immediately confirmed by Mali's army.
The National Movement for the Liberation of the Azawad is fighting for independence. The NMLA and Malian armed forces have reported some deaths from attacks this month on small towns.
In several of the small towns, Malian soldiers fled before the rebels arrived.
Niafunke is best known as the home of Mali's legendary blues musician, Ali Farka Toure.
- AP