Battle of Menaka

Battle of Ménaka
Part of 2012 Northern Mali conflict
Date 16–20 November 2012 (4 days) Location Vicinity of Ménaka, Mali Result Islamists Victory
Belligerents
Azawad MNLA Tuareg volunteers	Islamists Coalition MOJWA AQIM
Commanders and leaders
Machkanani Ag Balla Sidi Ag Moulya Alwabégat Ag Salakatou† Bajan Ag Hamatou	Omar Ould Hamaha Abu Walid Sahraoui Mokhtar Belmokhtar
Strength
500 (two brigades), 60-70 volunteers, 60 technicals	800-1,000, 41 technicals
Casualties and losses
13 dead, 40 wounded, 15 captured, 1 technical destroyed	23 dead, 26 injured, 6 technicals destroyed

 Azawad

Islamists Coalition

23 dead, 26 injured, 6 technicals destroyed

On 16 November 2012, during the MNLA (Movement for the National Liberation of Azawad) failed offensive to reclaim its former city-base of Gao recently taken by Islamists groups, Islamists launch a counter-attack of their own targeted at the MNLA stronghold of Ménaka, north of Gao, the last bastion under MNLA control. At approximately 11 A.M, two brigades under the command of MNLA Deputy Chief of Staff Machkanani Ag Balla and Colonel Sidi Ag Moulya Molla ambushed a squadron of MOJWA rebels on route to Ménaka. The ambush takes place in Tagarangabotte, on the road between Ansongo and Ménaka. The column of vehicles destined for Ménaka is temporarily subdued in fierce fighting with MNLA troops. The Islamists column is forced to turn back however proves insufficient in stopping their offensive. Overall casualties were deplored at nine MNLA troops' wounded some with serious injuries, including Colonel Ag Mechkanine a deputy Staff. MOJWA casualties were 13 dead, 17 injured and three technicals disabled.

The same day another clash between the MNLA and Islamists elements occurs in the village of Idelimane 80 kilometers from Ménaka. The MNLA which apparently occupied Idelimane was attacked by two combat forces of MOJWA, the Osama Bin Laden brigade led by Abu Walid Sahraoui and the Al-Mouthalimin (the turbaned) brigade led by Mokhtar Belmokhtar. Both brigades amounted to over 300 men and 16 technicals many equipped with heavy artillery. Heavy fighting in the area is reported throughout the day. On 17 November, Islamists (AQIM) reinforcements arrive from Gao raising the number to well over 1,000 versus 500 per MNLA. On the 18 November, MNLA forces are routed. Casualties included 1 MNLA member killed, four others injured. MOJWA casualties amounted to 3 dead, six others injured.

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