Battle of Menaka

The Battle of Ménaka was an armed confrontation between Malian and Tuareg forces that started the 2012 Tuareg rebellion, when MNLA rebels attacked two military bases in the town. It ended with the Malian army remaining in control of the town, but beginning the 3 month old rebellion.

Timeline
On 17 January 2012, at around 6 am in the morning, the Malian army in Ménaka was attacked by MNLA forces. Both military bases in the town were reportedly under attack. Rebels captured one of the two key bases, but lost it when Malian forces launched a counter-attack against them. Malian reinforcements arrived backed by a squadron of combat helicopters, were able to drive rebels positions back. Along with the reinforcements 3 officers and soldiers of Tuareg descent, deserted the army along with 30 military vehicles, says an MNLA spokesmen. Following the desertions, the Malian army executed 3 of their own soldiers who were of Tuareg background. The total casualty toll for Malian forces claimed by the MNLA was; 2 KIA, 13 wounded, 2 air-planes destroyed, and 3 of their own executed.

Malian ministry spokesmen Idrissa Traore responded to the accusations and said: "Six of the assailants vehicles were destroyed, several of them were killed; many were wounded and some were arrested". He claimed that fighting left only one Malian soldier and several rebels dead.