Mali Extends State of Emergency

DAKAR, Senegal (AP) -- Mali's government has extended a state of emergency for 10 days after an attack on an army base in central Mali earlier this week.

Two separate organizations linked to the Peul ethnic group claimed responsibility for the attack early Tuesday that killed 17 soldiers and wounded more than 30 in the city of Nampala.

The Macina Liberation Front, which is said to have ties to al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb, claimed responsibility for the attack on social media.

The group's attacks in central Mali have raised alarm because it represents an escalation in extremism much further south.

Another group called the National Alliance for the Protection of the Peul Identity and the Restoration of Justice claimed responsibility. It was the first time the group had assaulted a Malian army position.

(KA)