Mali Army Announces Entry into Kidal as Azawad Liberation Front Withdraws

Mali’s army said it had entered the city of Kidal amid large-scale air and ground operations.

The announcement came as the Azawad Liberation Front said it had carried out what it described as a “strategic” withdrawal from the city.

The two statements pointed to a shift in the military situation in Kidal, with the army reporting its arrival and the front acknowledging its departure.

The army’s announcement concerned its entry into the city. The extent of its control and the conditions following the withdrawal were not detailed in the statements provided.