War Returns To Northern Mali

Malian Army Clashes With Tuareg Rebels For Second Day In Kidal -- Reuters

(Reuters) - Malian troops clashed with Tuareg rebels in the northern desert town of Kidal for a second day on Monday, residents said, after the separatists ended a ceasefire with the new government last week.

The fighting began late on Sunday afternoon outside a bank in the center of Kidal, with both sides accusing the other of firing first. After calm returned overnight, shooting re-started early on Monday morning.

"The firing began at around 5 o'clock (1 a.m. ET) this morning between the army and the MNLA," said Mohamed Toure, a trader. "I have not opened my shop today."

The clashes are the latest in a series of attacks in recent days that threaten to derail peace efforts and complicate France's plan to reduce its troop presence in the West African country after a military operation to destroy an Islamist enclave.

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More News On The Escalating Conflict In Northern Mali

Fighting Flares Between Mali Army, Rebels in Kidal -- ABC News/AP
Fresh fighting in Mali rebel bastion -- FOX News/AFP
Mali: 'MNLA rebels' attack soldiers in Kidal-- BBC
Situation in northern Mali deteriorates amid fighting, suicide bomb attack -- Global Times
Rebels clash with Mali troops as violence surges in restive north -- The Telegraph
Malian army exchanges fire with rebels in Kidal -- The Guardian
Al-Qaeda's African branch claims Mali bombing -- FOX News/AFP
Mali Soldiers Fight Tuareg Separatists -- Voice of America
Mali Soldiers Fight Tuareg Separatists -- Voice of America
Resident: Mali Army, Rebels Exchange Fire in Kidal -- ABC News/AP
Tuareg separatists, Malian army clash in northern town -- Reuters
France Seeks Permanent Victory In Mali -- Strategy Page