Malian troops were deployed to retake Kidal from militants who killed eight soldiers, kidnapped 30 civil servants, and seized government offices two days ago. Prime Minister Mara said yesterday that terrorists have “declared war on Mali.” Defense Minister Maiga said the militants are members of the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA) who are “supported by members of terrorist groups.” A MINUSMA spokesperson said the 30 kidnapped civil servants were released today. The US warned that Mali might slip back into conflict; France said it will not intervene in the separatist issue and was only in Mali to fight “armed terrorist groups.”
