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| Casamance 'MFDC rebels' kill Senegal soldiers | Casamance 'MFDC rebels' kill Senegal soldiers |
| (40 minutes later) | |
| At least 12 people, including five Senegalese soldiers, have been killed after suspected rebels attacked an army base in the southern Casamance region. | At least 12 people, including five Senegalese soldiers, have been killed after suspected rebels attacked an army base in the southern Casamance region. |
| Five suspected rebels and two civilians died in the clashes, the army says. | Five suspected rebels and two civilians died in the clashes, the army says. |
| The BBC's Mame Campbell Toure in Dakar says the recent upsurge in fighting has shocked people, as it follows a long period of calm. | The BBC's Mame Campbell Toure in Dakar says the recent upsurge in fighting has shocked people, as it follows a long period of calm. |
| The Casamance Movement of Democratic Forces (MFDC) has been fighting for the region's independence since 1982. | The Casamance Movement of Democratic Forces (MFDC) has been fighting for the region's independence since 1982. |
| Casamance is separated from the capital, Dakar, by Gambia and is home to numerous ethnic groups, while northern areas are dominated by three, largely Muslim communities. | Casamance is separated from the capital, Dakar, by Gambia and is home to numerous ethnic groups, while northern areas are dominated by three, largely Muslim communities. |
| One soldiers was killed when suspected rebels attacked a military base in Diegoune district, 45km (30 miles) north-west of Ziguinchor, the region's capital, near the Gambian border, at dawn on Tuesday, the army said. | One soldiers was killed when suspected rebels attacked a military base in Diegoune district, 45km (30 miles) north-west of Ziguinchor, the region's capital, near the Gambian border, at dawn on Tuesday, the army said. |
| A vehicle carrying reinforcements was then attacked, leading to an "accident" in which a further four soldiers, including an officer, died, a statement said. | A vehicle carrying reinforcements was then attacked, leading to an "accident" in which a further four soldiers, including an officer, died, a statement said. |
| The vehicle then crashed into a house, killing two civilians, it said. | The vehicle then crashed into a house, killing two civilians, it said. |
| Unconfirmed reports say that nine soldiers were killed. | Unconfirmed reports say that nine soldiers were killed. |
| Two weeks ago, five soldiers were taken hostage by suspected rebels - one of whom has since escaped. Analysts say the latest violence is linked to the elections due in February 2012. | Two weeks ago, five soldiers were taken hostage by suspected rebels - one of whom has since escaped. Analysts say the latest violence is linked to the elections due in February 2012. |
| Some rebel factions are trying to extract concessions from the the government ahead of the poll, while others wish to transform the group into a political party, they say. | Some rebel factions are trying to extract concessions from the the government ahead of the poll, while others wish to transform the group into a political party, they say. |
| Our reporter says the 29-year rebellion has become an important campaign issue, especially as army bases are now being targeted. |