Al-Qaeda linked, Islamist militant group 'Movement for Oneness and Jihad in West Africa' (MUJAO), has claimed responsibility for a suicide attack in the northern Mali town of Gao on Friday morning.
It is believed to be the first known suicide attack in Mali, since the French troops entered the north in early January.
The attack was carried out by an individual on a motorbike, who detonated his explosives after approaching a group of soldiers at a checkpoint on the outskirts of Gao.
One soldier is reported to have been injured in the attack.
MUJAO vowed to carry out further attacks "against the Malian soldiers who chose the side of the miscreants, the enemies of Islam".
Meanwhile one person was killed and at least five injured in army infighting in the country's capital.
See here for full report on BBC News.