Mali's military says it has broken a rebel blockade around a strategically important army base in the north of the country. The fighting involved separatist forces and reportedly included support for the government from regional allies and Russia's Africa Corps. The rebels confirmed that they withdrew but disputed the government's claims about casualties and battlefield success. Mali's military-led government continues to face separatist groups and militants linked to al-Qaida across large parts of the country. The conflict has intensified as Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso reduce cooperation with Western governments and strengthen military relations with Russia.
