In Mali, rebel forces successfully captured the key town of Kidal following what are described as the largest attacks in nearly 15 years. The attacks also resulted in the reported death of Defence Minister Sadio Camara.

As a result of the largest attacks in nearly 15 years, the rebels captured the key town of Kidal in the desert north, and Defence Minister Sadio Camara, seen as the mastermind behind the junta's pivot to Russia, was killed