Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06BAMAKO577
2006-05-23 13:44:00
SECRET
Embassy Bamako
Cable title:
ARMED ASSAILANTS ATTACK MILITARY POSTS IN KIDAL -
how-toVZCZCXRO4407 OO RUEHPA DE RUEHBP #0577 1431344 ZNY SSSSS ZZH O 231344Z MAY 06 FM AMEMBASSY BAMAKO TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 5441 INFO RUEHZK/ECOWAS COLLECTIVE PRIORITY RUEHAS/AMEMBASSY ALGIERS PRIORITY 0251 RUEHRB/AMEMBASSY RABAT PRIORITY 0192 RUEHTU/AMEMBASSY TUNIS PRIORITY 0087 RUEHCL/AMCONSUL CASABLANCA PRIORITY 0018 RUEHTRO/USLO TRIPOLI PRIORITY
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)
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
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