Leaderboard

Malian Prime Minister Visits Crisis-Stricken Region Grand Central Times - Sept 17th, 2020 Prime Minister Famory Kouyaté made a visit to the Kidal Region today as the country watches the growing military crisis with bated breath. It appears that the Prime Minister is going on a tour through the Northern half of the country in an attempt to allay fears of a coup or civil war. Few expect the crisis to escalate that far, especially since the mutineering soldiers have remained peaceful throughout this emergency. However, there are questions about the government’s credibility during this crisis. Pictured: Malian troops standing guard outside mutineers' base. Some have accused the President of overreacting to the situation and causing unnecessary panic and allowed for the ongoing crisis in the city of Kidal to occur. Boko Haram's ongoing attacks in the city have reportedly claimed numerous lives, and thrown the area into chaos. There are reports of fighting in the streets and it is suspected that American and French forces have been taking part in the battles raging across the city. Of particular note was the report of a helicopter being destroyed at the local governor's compound after a pitched battle took place there. Pictured: Governor's compound post-battle. Smoke is claimed to be from a downed helicopter. In an apparent attempt to reassure the public that the situation is being handled, the Prime Minister was seen meeting with the local governor, Issiaka Dabo, in a hospital where he is claimed to be in good health. After the meeting, Mr. Kouyaté assured the press that the crisis would soon pass, and stated that the mutineer crisis will soon be resolved and the Boko Haram threat dealt with. Some have questioned if this will be possible, even with American and French support. By Geordi La Forge Grand Central Times

Counterattack in Kidal! America on the offensive American military prowess was on full display yesterday as American air and land forces conducted a coordinated offensive against an airfield on the outskirts of the Malian city of Kidal. Locals reported both airstrikes from American attack helicopters as well as significant amounts of small arms fire in what is reported as a storming of the airfield by US Special Forces. These news comes shortly after the announcement of the deployment of US troops alongside additional French reinforcements to the country of Mali following the seizure of Kidal by the ISIS-Affiliated terrorist organisation Boko Haram. Boko Haram managed to seize control of the city following a mutiny by parts of the Malian army. The French troops stationed in and near the city were caught off guard and fighting continues to flare up across the city where pockets of French and Malian forces resist Boko Haram’s advance. Early reports of the battle indicate that a number of airstrikes were launched by American and French attack helicopters from the nearby Franco-Malian military base. This was followed up by a ground assault by alleged American special forces who seized the airfield and the surrounding buildings. Many vehicles carrying terrorists were reportedly destroyed as they tried to intervene. The smoke columns can still be seen from a distance. In a press conference held shortly after the battle died down American, French and Malian military commanders stated that the airfield had been secured and will remain in use by the Malian and French forces in the area to bring in humanitarian supplies and evacuate wounded. They also confirmed a “leak” of hazardous chemicals had taken place during the fighting but that it was contained to the airfield and failed to reach the more populated areas of the city. French and Malian troops take control of the Kidal Aerodrome following the successful US assault. Unconfirmed reports indicate at least 30 terrorists were killed in the fighting along with four still unidentified civilians. The bodies have been turned over to Malian authorities. It remains unclear if these civilians were working with Boko Haram, being held as human shields, or were simply unlucky. ADANews will continue to cover this conflict as it progresses. Simon Tam ADANews