ARMED ASSAILANTS ATTACK MILITARY POSTS IN KIDAL -

S E C R E T BAMAKO 000577 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/23/2016 TAGS: ASEC PREL PGOV PINR CASC ML SUBJECT: ARMED ASSAILANTS ATTACK MILITARY POSTS IN KIDAL - SITREP 1 Classified By: Political Officer Aaron Sampson, Embassy Bamako, Reason 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (C) The Embassy has received reports of an attack by armed assailants on two military posts in Kidal. According to Embassy contacts, the attack and an ensuing gun battle occurred during the early hours of May 23. Although reports are contradictory, the attackers appear to have targeted a largely empty former military base in downtown Kidal and a second, newer base used by the Malian military on the outskirts of the city. ¶2. (C) Reports also indicate an attempt to take the Governor's residence in Kidal. According to the Algerian Ambassador, the Malian army showed little resistance but police units were defending the Governor's mansion. There have been no confirmed reports of casualties. Malian military units in Gao are reportedly moving north in response to the attack. ¶3. (C) In addition to the attacks in Kidal, the Embassy has also received reports of an attack against a military base in Menaka in the western portion of the Gao region. According to the Algerian Ambassador, the commander of the army base in Menaka deserted. A local hire Embassy employee with family in Menaka has also passed along reports of fighting in this area. Although we have no confirmation, it is widely believed that Malian army deserter Lt. Col. Hassan Fagaga is directing the attacks. ¶4. (S) As per reports in sensitive channels, President Amadou Toumani Toure has been attempting to resolve the situation in the north through the intermediaries of Kidal community leader Iyad Ag Ghali and a former rebel leader assigned to the Malian Embassy in Saudi Arabia. According to the Algerians, both individuals left Bamako yesterday with little notice. ¶5. (C) The Embassy has no record of any American citizens near Kidal although there are two USAID funded projects with local or third country national personnel in the town. The Embassy has advised these persons to stand fast. Peace Corps is present in the Gao region but only in and around the town of Gao. We have no record of any AmCits in Menaka. ¶6. (C) The Ambassador has called an EAC meeting for 1400 local and we will report further information as available. McCulley