Mali : Mujao takes strategic town of Douentza
Militant Islamist rebels have seized the strategic central Malian town of Douentza, extending the area they control in the north of the country.
Source : https://www.marocafrik.com/english/Mali-Mujao-take...
Witnesses said fighters of the Movement for Unity and Jihad (Mujao)group took the town after a brief stand-off with the local self-defence militia.
The move brings the militants closer to the government-held south-west.
Islamist leader Oumar Ould Hamaha told the Associated Press news agency that the attackers had encircled the town and asked the local militiamen to surrender.
"They tried to make phone calls to ask for reinforcements, but when they saw that no-one was coming to help them they laid down their arms," he said.
Ecowas has declared itself ready to send a stand by force of 3,000 troops but so far the National Unity Government in Bamako has not requested it. The irresolution in the South which is clearly unable to defend its self, can only lead to further incursions by the islamists.
The move brings the militants closer to the government-held south-west.
Islamist leader Oumar Ould Hamaha told the Associated Press news agency that the attackers had encircled the town and asked the local militiamen to surrender.
"They tried to make phone calls to ask for reinforcements, but when they saw that no-one was coming to help them they laid down their arms," he said.
Ecowas has declared itself ready to send a stand by force of 3,000 troops but so far the National Unity Government in Bamako has not requested it. The irresolution in the South which is clearly unable to defend its self, can only lead to further incursions by the islamists.
Source : https://www.marocafrik.com/english/Mali-Mujao-take...