Witness: Rebels Attack S. Mali Town; Kill 1

Published February 19, 2012 10:18AM (EST)

BAMAKO, Mali (AP) — A witness in a southern Mali town says rebels attacked the town and killed one person.

Maouloud Daou said Sunday rebels entered the village of Hombori Saturday night and killed a 78-year-old village chief. He said they also ransacked the village for weapons.

Daou said the attackers were Tuaregs but the group has not claimed responsibility.

Tens of thousands of people have been displaced internally or have fled to surrounding countries since a Tuareg separatist group began attacking towns in the country's vast, arid north last month.

Tuareg rebels have attacked at least seven towns, and dozens have been killed.

The president of Mali's parliament said earlier this week that the army is going on the offensive against Tuareg rebels.


By Salon Staff

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