Malian Rebels Claim Capture of UN Peacekeeper Base
Tuareg rebels claim capture of UN base in Kidal, raising concerns of a clash in the key city with Mali's army aiming to regain control (187 characters)
Northern Tuareg rebels in Mali have announced that they have taken control of a base in Kidal that was previously occupied by the United Nations. This development could potentially lead to a confrontation in the strategic city, where the Malian army intends to regain control. The UN mission, known as MINUSMA, has been ordered to leave by Mali's military junta and is required to leave by December 31st. The peacekeeper's withdrawal from other bases has already ignited clashes between the Malian army and the rebels, who are competing for control of the vacant areas.
Kidal, one of the key bases in central and northern Mali, has become the eighth MINUSMA base to be shut down. The region, historically dominated by rebels, is a significant target for Mali's junta to reclaim. MINUSMA officially announced its departure, stating that it had undertaken equipment destruction measures prior to leaving.
"The departure from all these bases posed immense challenges," stated the rebel movement, known as the Permanent Strategic Framework for Peace, Security, and Development (CSP-PSD). In their statement, they assert that they have gained control over territories that were relinquished by MINUSMA in Kidal.
Security analysts have indicated that the escalating conflict may escalate in Kidal, further exacerbating the already rampant insecurity in this West African nation. It is worth noting that Islamist militants associated with both al Qaeda and the Islamic State are also active in this region.
The situation pertaining to the base remains obscure, lacking clarity. According to a reliable source, the rebels swiftly seized control of the runway adjacent to the camp shortly after the departure of the United Nations. Additionally, a resident in the vicinity mentioned that the rebels had successfully taken over the camp, although specific details were not provided.
The UN said that it did not know what happened after it departed.
Malis military authorities have expressed concern that the UN has left bases without handing them over to the army.
"We express our regret once again that this retreat did not undergo a proper handover to the military," stated the junta on X.
MINUSMA has been present in Mali since 2012, when the northern region fell under the control of Islamist militants. Violence has been prevalent ever since.
