Malian military: 2 rockets fall near northern town of Kidal; no immediate word on casualties

BAMAKO, Mali – A Malian military spokesman says the northern town of Kidal has come under attack from two rockets.

Cmdr. Daouda Sagara, head of the military in the town, said his soldiers had heard two large explosions Friday night.

Sagara said he had no information about whether anyone had been wounded or killed in the attack.

Kidal and the town of Gao have repeatedly come under attack from jihadists who had ruled the region until a French-led military operation was launched one year ago.

The war was successful in forcing al-Qaida and other extremists from the major towns but they have regrouped in the desert.

The town of Kidal is the stronghold of a separatist Tuareg group and the presence of the Malian military there has remained highly controversial.