BAMAKO – At least 53 soldiers and one civilian were killed in an attack on an army post in northern Mali, the government said.
Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack on Saturday, without providing evidence.
The militant group has posted dozens of claims for the attacks in several countries since the United States special forces killed its previous leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi last weekend.
The authorities first reported the attack in Indelimane, Menaka region, on Friday, but gave a lower provisional death toll.
Thirty-eight Malian soldiers were also killed on Sept. 30 in coordinated attacks on two army bases in central Mali, which has slipped from government control despite the presence of the French army and other international forces.(Reuters)
