"On the assailants` side, six vehicles were destroyed, several people died or were wounded, several assailants were taken prisoner; on the Malian side there is one dead," a government statement said.
"This morning at 6:00 am (0600 GMT), the assailants, who included forces that returned from Libya and comprised elements known as the Azawad National Liberation Movement (MNLA), attacked the town of Menaka," it said.
Malian armed forces backed by helicopter gunships and the airforce struck back, the statement added.
Military officials said earlier Tuesday that Malian army helicopters bombed a rebel Tuareg position, forcing them to withdraw after an attempt to seize control of Menaka. (*)
Editor: Kunto Wibisono
Copyright © ANTARA 2012
