February 2013 Kidal attack
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7:30pm
- 7 MNLA fighters killed
- 1 suicide bomber killed
| February 2013 Kidal attack | |
|---|---|
| Part of Mali War | |
| Location | Aliou District, Kidal, Mali |
| Date | February 26, 2013 7:30pm |
| Target |  MNLA
MIA (claimed by MIA) |
| Deaths | 8
|
| Injured | 11 |
| Perpetrator |  MOJWA |
On February 26, 2013, militants from MOJWA conducted a suicide bombing on fighters from the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA) and Islamic Movement of Azawad (MIA) in Kidal, Mali.
Separatist Tuareg fighters rebelled against the Malian government in 2012, quickly capturing major cities such as Kidal and Ménaka in the north and east of the country. The rebels sought autonomy and independence from the Malian government, and many fought for the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad. Jihadist groups such as Ansar Dine and the Movement for Oneness and Jihad in West Africa (MOJWA), seeking an independent Azawad under Shari'a law, hijacked the rebellion and began attacking the more moderate MNLA and other separatist groups, along with launching suicide bombings against civilians.