This is the first in a series of battles aimed a capturing most of the north Mali from the army by the rebels.

MNLA forces commanded by Assalat Ag Habi stormed the barracks of the Malian army and attacked the National Guard camp.

Several vehicles were destroyed and four rebels, some of whom are slightly wounded, were taken prisoner by the army during the battle, according to Malian claims.

At the end of the afternoon, the battle stopped and part of the telephone connections was restored.

In its official statement released on January 22, the MNLA states that its losses are only 4 wounded.