Rebels seize key town of Anefis as they tighten grip on northern Mali
Tuareg separatists and al-Qaeda-linked groups appear to have secured control of a key town in northern Mali following a coordinated offensive over the weekend. Malian army units and Russian mercenaries have been holed up at the strategic Anefis camp since rebels launched their assault on Saturday.
Tuareg separatist groups and al-Qaeda-linked militants said they had seized control of the strategically important town of Anefis in northern Mali following a coordinated offensive launched on Saturday. The town holds a key position in the region's shifting security balance.
Malian army units and Russian mercenaries stationed in the country have been holed up at the Anefis camp under siege since the rebel assault began. The offensive is seen as the latest step in weeks of rebel advances across northern Mali.
The development comes amid escalating conflict between Mali's central government and separatist and jihadist groups. Regional security sources say the rebels are expanding their control in the north, increasingly pushing government forces into more isolated positions.
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