[1] Around this time, Algeria had also been accused of abetting the ATNM in holding Malian hostages on Algerian soil.

Several hundred ATNM fighters transported by pick-ups surrounded the town and it's outlying National Guard posts, before opening fire on them from the nearby heights.

Fighting lasted for ten hours into the afternoon, and the ATNM was eventually pushed back from the city.

[3] Security sources in Kidal stated that the death toll for the ATNM could be higher due to the severity of some of the injuries.

[3] The United Nations expressed concern and called for a peace process following the battle.