Mali Tuaregs say they control major military base

BAMAKO, Mali -- Tuareg rebels say they have taken control of an important military base in north Mali after having surrounded the location for weeks.

Bayes Ag Dicknane, an officer with the rebel forces on the ground near Tessalit, said Sunday that there are no Malian soldiers left in the town's base.

A spokesman for the Malian army Colonel Idrissa Traore said he was verifying the claim.

The military base in Tessalit is one of the largest in northern Mali. Whoever controls the installation has a major strategic advantage as the town has an airport.

Tuareg rebels began attacking locations across north Mali in mid January. Dozens have been killed on both sides and more than 100,000 civilians have be forced to flee the fighting.

The rebels want independence for the north of Mali.

Source: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/03/11/2688072/mali-tuaregs-say-they-control.html

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