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20 Islamists killed in Mali battle, troops wounded

By AFP
Mali Malian soldiers fight while clashes erupted in the city of Gao on February 21, 2013.  By Frederic Lafargue AFP
FEB 22, 2013 LISTEN
Malian soldiers fight while clashes erupted in the city of Gao on February 21, 2013. By Frederic Lafargue (AFP)

PARIS (AFP) - Between 15 and 20 Islamists were killed in fighting in the northern Mali town of Gao which also left two French soldiers and four Malian troops wounded, France's defence ministry said Friday.

The battle on Thursday saw Islamists briefly occupying the city's courthouse and the city hall before French-backed troops repelled the attackers.

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