On 31 January, at approx. 6:45 A.M, the Malian military cantonment in

Niafunké Niafunké is a small town on the Niger River in central Mali. The town is the administrative center ('' chef-lieu'') of the commune of Soboundou in the Niafunké Cercle of the Tombouctou Region Tombouctou Region ( Bambara: ߕߎߡߎߕߎ ߘ� ...

comes under attack by elements of the MNLA. The military camp located in the town undergoes a fierce assault by rebels. A Malian soldier is reported killed. Next military reinforcements nearby are called in for assistance but are ambushed by rebels. After several hours of a standoff the MNLA relinquishes siege of the camp. Military casualties were 4 dead, and 6 wounded. The dead included a Malian army captain. Five MNLA members were killed. Two civilian students also died during the battle by stray bullets.

References

Battles of the Tuareg rebellion (2012) Tombouctou Region in the Mali War January 2012 events in Mali Battles of the Mali War involving Mali Battles involving the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad Ambushes of the Mali War {{DEFAULTSORT:Niafunké, Battle of