One injured in Mali suicide attack

Second bombing in a month targets French forces in Timbuktu

French legionnaires exit a military plane at Bamako airport, Mali (photo credit: AP/Jeremy Lempin)
French legionnaires exit a military plane at Bamako airport, Mali (photo credit: AP/Jeremy Lempin)

BAMAKO, Mali (AP) — A military official says a suicide bomber has driven a car loaded with explosives to a checkpoint on the outskirts of Timbuktu, blowing himself up at the western gate of the city.

It was the second suicide attack on the town this month.

The official, who asked not to be identified because he was not authorized to speak to the media, said that at least one soldier was injured in the attack Saturday night at about 10 p.m., while the jihadist died in the detonation.

Resident Age Djitteye says he heard a loud explosion and gunfire.

For 10 months until this January, Timbuktu was ruled by al-Qaida’s affiliate in Africa. The city was liberated by French forces on Jan. 28.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.

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