Violence Is Intensifying In Mali

Deutsche Welle: UN base in northern Mali fired upon, investigators probe Bamako shooting

A United Nations base in northeastern Mali has come under rocket fire, with three people killed. The attack comes as authorities hunt those involved in a shooting at a Bamako restaurant.

The UN mission in Kidal said more than 30 rockets and shells were fired at its base in the northeastern town on Sunday morning, killing one UN soldier and two civilians. The civilians were members of a nomadic tribe and stray rockets landed on their encampment, news agencies reported. The UN returned fire in the direction of the attack. No one immediately claimed responsibility for the rocket fire.

More News On The Growing Violence In Mali

Militants attack UN as Mali hunts jihadist nightclub killers -- AFP
At least three killed in north Mali rocket attack - U.N. -- Reuters
Rocket attack on U.N. base in Mali kills peacekeeper, 2 civilians -- UPI
Rocket attack on U.N. base kills 3 in northern Mali -- CNN
UN Peacekeeper Among Three Killed in Rocket Attack on Base in Northern Mali -- VICE News
Report: Jihadist group says it carried out attack that killed five at Mali bar -- CNN
Mali: Belmokhtar Jihadist Group Claims Mali Restaurant Attack As Revenge On France and West -- AllAfrica.com/RFI

Warring Factions Agree To A Truce In Mali

BBC: Mali signs UN ceasefire to end conflict with northern rebels

The Malian government has signed a ceasefire deal with rebels in a bid to end long-running unrest in the country's north.

As part of a UN-sponsored peace process, both sides agreed to an "immediate cessation" of hostilities.

The deal was signed during talks that began in Algeria on Monday.

Update #1: Mali, Tuareg-led rebels agree to cease hostilities for peace talks -- Reuters
Update #2: Mali, six armed groups agree to cease hostilities -- AFP

WNU Editor: This is not the first time that peace talks and ceasefires have been arranged to stop the fighting .... and I strongly suspect that it will not be the last.

Mali Peace Talks Begin, But Both Sides Are Far Apart On The Important Issues

Reuters: Mali peace talks resume in Algiers, no end to hostilities

Mali's government and Tuareg-led rebels resumed U.N.-sponsored peace talks in Algeria on Monday in pursuit of an accord to end uprisings by separatists seeking more self-rule for the northern region they call Azawad.

Decades of mistrust and recent intensified fighting between rebels and government-allied militias have complicated attempts to reach a comprehensive deal on Mali's desert north.

Update: UN Expresses Hope Over New Round of Mali Talks -- New York Times/AP

WNU Editor: I am not optimistic on these talks .... both sides cannot even agree on what should be the name of the territory that is in dispute. In the mean time the war continues .... Gunmen stage deadly raid on Mali army post; U.N. peacekeepers hurt in blast (Reuters). More on recent fighting here.

French Troops Are Battling Islamic Militants In Mali

Reuters: French troops kill around a dozen Islamist militants in Mali

Update: French troops put a dozen terrorists in Mali out of action -- AP

WNU Editor: The UN is also having problems in Mali .... At least three killed after U.N. troops in Mali fire at protest (Reuters). But the following report is an indication that people are now fighting back against the rebels  .... Mali's MNLA Tuareg rebels hit by suicide bombers (BBC.

Mali Jihadists Step Up Attacks

BBC

Long War Journal: Jihadists in Mali step up attacks, kill 7 soldiers

More News On Mali Jihadists Stepping Up Attacks

Malian town of Nampala attacked by Islamist militants -- BBC
At least eight dead in raid on Mali army base -- AFP
Militants Stage Deadly Raid in Central Mali -- VOA
Mali Jihadists Attack Town, Army Soldiers Flee After 2 Dead -- AP
Army camp attacked in central Mali -- Al Jazeera
Six UN peacekeeping troops injured in Mali blast -- AFP
Mali: UN Mission condemns attack that wounded 8 peacekeepers -- UN News Centre