At least four people were killed in the northern city of Kidal when Tuareg separatists attacked black Malian supporters of the government. Military officials also claimed that armed Tuaregs from Gao were involved in the violence, in which 40 civilians were injured, the central market was set on fire, and shops were looted. The unrest reportedly was sparked by rumors that the Malian military was sending more troops to Kidal to maintain order before national elections on July 28.
