Terrorism is just one of many scourges to beset the people of Mali for decades: Op-Ed:
Blaming al-Qaida or neo-colonialism is too simple in a country where many have been marginalised for too long
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Two UN peacekeepers killed in Mali suicide bomb:
A suicide bomber killed two Senegalese UN peacekeepers and destroyed the only operating bank in the northern Malian town of Kidal yesterday, one day before a second round of parliamentary elections. Ref. Source 4
Children 'killed and snatched by Mali rebels': Suspected al-Qaeda-linked
rebels have kidnapped 10 children and killed two others who tried to escape near two towns in Mali, capping a week of violence in the West African country's desert north, a senior Malian military official said. Ref. Source 6
Mali hotel operator says 170 hostages taken
The Rezidor Hotel Group, which operates the Radisson Blu hotel in Bamako, said in a statement that "As per our information two persons have locked in 140 guests and 30 employees" At the hotel. Rezidor said that it did not have further information. The U.S. Embassy in Bamako earlier confirmed that an "Ongoing active shooter operation" Was taking place at the hotel in Mali's capital. The embassy advised people to remain inside or "Shelter in place." Ref. USAToday
A mortar attack on a U.N. Base in northern Mali killed three people -- two peacekeepers and a contractor -- and injured 20 others, a spokesman for the nation's U.N. Mission said. There has been no claim of responsibility. Ref. CNN