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Mali car bomb 'kills at least 37 people' in Gao Mali car bomb 'kills at least 50 people' in Gao
(about 3 hours later)
At least 37 people have been killed in northern Mali in a car bomb attack on a military base, officials say. At least 50 people have been killed in northern Mali in a car bomb attack on a military base, officials say.
The incident occurred when a vehicle packed with explosives detonated at a camp housing soldiers and members of rival armed groups in the city of Gao. A vehicle packed with explosives detonated at a camp housing soldiers and members of rival armed groups in the region's main city, Gao.
Mali's northern desert region has been restive since it was captured by militant Islamists in late 2012.Mali's northern desert region has been restive since it was captured by militant Islamists in late 2012.
Despite French military intervention in 2013, the region remains tense with sporadic attacks and kidnappings.Despite French military intervention in 2013, the region remains tense with sporadic attacks and kidnappings.
The camp targeted in Wednesday's attack is located in Gao, the main city in northern Mali. A source at the UN Mission in Mali (Minusma) is quoted by the AFP news agency as saying it was a suicide attack.
A source at the UN Mission in Mali (Minusma) is quoted by the AFP news agency as describing the incident as a suicide attack.
The victims were involved in conducting patrols in this highly volatile area under a deal backed by the UN in a bid to stop the violence there.The victims were involved in conducting patrols in this highly volatile area under a deal backed by the UN in a bid to stop the violence there.
It is not the first time the military in Mali has been targeted in a deadly attack. It is not the first time the military in Mali has been targeted by a deadly attack.
In July last year, about 17 soldiers were killed and 30 others wounded in an attack on a military base in the central town of Nampala.In July last year, about 17 soldiers were killed and 30 others wounded in an attack on a military base in the central town of Nampala.
National mourningNational mourning
The attackers set parts of the camp on fire before taking off.
Mali's President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita has declared three days of national mourning in a tweet following the latest attack.Mali's President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita has declared three days of national mourning in a tweet following the latest attack.
The fight against extremist groups is one of the major challenges of Mr Keita's government.The fight against extremist groups is one of the major challenges of Mr Keita's government.
But a new report by Human Rights Watch says the Malian government is not doing enough to protect civilians from the jihadists. But a new report by Human Rights Watch says the Malian government is not doing enough to protect civilians from the militants.
Wednesday's attack shows that even soldiers aren't safe, says the BBC World Service Africa editor James Copnall.Wednesday's attack shows that even soldiers aren't safe, says the BBC World Service Africa editor James Copnall.