Battle of Menaka

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.

On 19 November, MOJWA forces continue to push to Ménaka after their victory over the MNLA at Idelimane. The local Tuareg militia is alerted by the MNLA who take up defenses in advance. Sixty to seventy Tuareg volunteers are commanded by the deputy chief of the city Bajan Ag Hamatou. The militia set-up their defenses on a large sand dune dominating the entrance of the city. The attackers are numbered at 300 led by Omar Ould Hamaha, leader of MOJWA. The attack begins at 11 A.M, with a column of 26 vehicles who are exposed and engaged in a confrontation with militiamen. Three Islamists technicals are disabled. Reinforcements help relieve tension amidst the column and bombard the MNLA defenses with rocket launchers, mortars, and heavy weaponry. Fighting lasts all day until 10 P.M, the battle in a deadlock. Six MNLA members are killed during fighting in mid-day, and six others are wounded. The dead included two prominent MNLA Colonels; Ag Alwadihat chairman of the Ménaka township and Alwabégat Ag Salakatou a political leader in the region worsening aspects of morale among the Movement. Fifteen to fifty Islamists are reportedly transported and hospitalized in Gao. A significant portion of the civilian population flees.

Fighting resumes the next morning on 20 November, with Islamists penetrating MNLA defenses and substantially gaining ground. The MNLA is routed leaving the local militia to fend for themselves. The MOJWA claims Victory a few hours later. In the final assessment 7 Tuareg militiamen are killed along with 3 MNLA members, 33 others are wounded, and 15 are taken as prisoner. In addition large numbers of the militia defect to Ansar Dine.