Tuareg rebellion (2012): 2012 coup Internal conflict in Azawad: Foreign intervention: 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 The Battle of Timbuktu occurred in Timbuktu, Mali, in March 2013, between Islamist groups and Mali government forces supported by France.

A car with armed men also tried to break into the city; however, French and Malian forces pushed them back.

Then, about 50 to 100 Islamists launched an attack from Bamba, west of Bourem, at March 20 at 10:19 pm.

Shortly after, some 30 jihadists crossed the Mouamar Gaddafi canal and attacked the airport from the east.

The jihadists returned to the offensive the next morning, but after an hour of fighting, and after two attempted suicide attacks, they retreated.