According to statements by Moussa Ag Assarid, in charge of Communication and Information of the MLNA, on 16 November at 10 am, a column of MUJAO vehicles was ambushed by the MNLA at Tagarangabotte, in the east, from Ansongo on the road to Ménaka.

In the morning, MNLA mobile troops opened fire on both positions of terrorist groups in the area.

These are those who came to create the Mujao with the help, Pakistanis (instructors and strategists), Tunisians and Moroccans, including those who had been rejected by Western Sahara officials.

Some fighters and heavy weapons belonging to the group of Benlmoctar entered the fights against the Tuareg towards the end of the day of November 16th.

It must be said that the MNLA Chief of Staff, Machkanani Ag Balla, went straight with his group to join the terrorist camp.