Rebels captured one of the two key bases, but lost it when Malian forces launched a counter-attack against them.

On 30th January 2013 French and Malian forces moved into the town to bring it back under government control.

The Malian armed forces have at least two significant training establishments:

The French and Malian forces launched a major ground offensive into the North of the country for the first time on 16 January.

The city was taken by a French backed Malian force later that day.

The city was fully taken by French and Malian forces by the next day.

A month later, Malian and French forces recaptured most of the north.

Despite the reinforcement of a helicopter Malian forces retreated, leaving the base where it was severally looted by rebels.

On 21 January, Malian and French forces entered the town without resistance.

In the Christmas War of 1985, the city's marketplace was bombed by Malian forces, almost 100 people being killed.