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Protesters ransack security installations at Kidal airport in northern Mali

Xinhua, April 19, 2016 Adjust font size:

Angry protesters on Monday forced their way into Kidal airport in northern Mali and set security installations on fire, besides ransacking the runway, the UN Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) said in a statement.

"Kidal runway is crucial for supply of humanitarian aid, for support of the local populations as well as for MINUSMA operations," the statement said.

Independent sources told Xinhua local residents "were protesting against a recent search operation carried out by French forces operating in the area who were suspecting complicity of some residents with terrorist networks."

MINUSMA noted that some local media had reported of some victims among protesters, but said the information was still being verified."

The UN mission said it was in contact with Malian authorities and local community leaders "to try and calm tensions and understand the cause of the violence." Enditem