Fresh fighting erupts between army and rebels in Mali

ALBAWABA - Fresh attacks in Kidal were reported between the Malian army and rebels, AFP reported Sunday, citing rebel and local sources.

According to sources, an Al-Qaeda-linked jihadist group announced yesterday to had joined forces with rebels and launched attacks against the army in Mali.

The groups launched surprise attacks around the capital, Bamako and other areas. Nonetheless, Tuareg rebels claimed to have seized the northern city of Kidal, where new fights were reported today, April 26.

On the other hand, the United Nations condemned "acts of violence" in Mali after jihadists and Tuareg rebels targeted the army.

The UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said, "The Secretary-General calls for coordinated international support to address the evolving threat of violent extremism and terrorism in the Sahel and to meet urgent humanitarian needs."

Since 2012, the African country has struggled with a security crisis, with attacks by jihadists, criminal groups and separatists resulting in the death of thousands and displacing tens of thousands more.