"Tuareg rebels' deadly attack sparks intense fighting in Mali crisis"

Fierce fighting has erupted in northern Mali as Tuareg rebels claim to have taken control of the town of Bamba from the army, following their announcement of killing over 80 soldiers in the central region. The violence comes as UN peacekeepers withdraw from Mali on the orders of the junta. The upsurge in hostilities coincides with the collapse of a 2015 peace deal and the increasing violence from Islamist militant groups. The Tuareg rebels, who seek independence for northern Mali, oppose the army's control of bases vacated by departing UN troops. The ongoing insurgency and growing jihadist attacks have led to instability and insecurity in civilian areas throughout the country.