Jihadist group claims northern Mali suicide attacks, tells foreign troops to leave

BAMAKO, Mali – A radical jihadist group in northern Mali that ruled the town of Gao for nearly a year says it was behind the latest suicide attacks.

Alioune Toure, the former head of the Islamic police in Gao, told Radio France Internationale the Movement for Oneness and Jihad in West Africa was responsible for the attacks.

Toure said "the muhajadeen had struck and they're going to keep striking the enemy," according to the interview released Saturday. He called for foreign soldiers to leave Mali and for negotiations between "Muslim brothers of the region."

Three suicide bombers exploded themselves Friday in Gossi, wounding two soldiers. Another attacker in Menaka was killed before he could detonate his explosives.

The attacks highlight the threat still posed four months after France launched its offensive.