Mali official: At least 6 killed as suspected jihadists attack civilians with army in north

DAKAR, Senegal – Mali's army spokesman says at least six people have been killed by suspected jihadists who attacked a convoy escorted by the army in north Mali.

Souleymane Maiga said Tuesday that a truck carrying gasoline hit a roadside bomb about 100 kilometers (62 miles) west of Gao and gunmen attacked afterward. He said six civilians were killed in the attack and two people were injured, including a soldier.

Maiga said three gas tanks were burned.

Col. Diarran Kone of the defense ministry confirmed the ambush.

Mali's northern half fell to Islamic extremists following a military coup in 2012. A French-led military intervention drove them out of major towns, but attacks continue in the north and are moving further south.