The Malian army units in Tessit reacted vigorously to a complex and coordinated attack by armed terrorist groups, presumably from Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS), characterized by the use of drones, explosives, car bombs, and artillery," Malian said in a statement on Wednesday.

The attack, which took place on Sunday, was one of the deadliest in recent years for Malian army fighting armed groups in the Gao region.

The government has declared a three-day of national mourning in the country. (ILKHA)