Mali's military, backed by Russian mercenaries, has launched airstrikes against a rebel coalition of Islamist extremists and Tuareg separatists in a conflict over control of the country, with northern towns like Kidal coming under attack.

The Guardian

Army supported by Russian mercenaries launches airstrikes after offensive by coalition of Islamist extremists and Tuareg separatists
Mali’s armed forces, supported by Russian mercenaries, have launched airstrikes targeting a rebel alliance of Islamist extremists and Tuareg separatists as the ruling junta struggles to maintain its hold on power in the unstable west African country.
Earlier this week warplanes targeted the key northern town of Kidal, which was lost when the rebels launched a surpr