Kidal has recently been in the news due to the conflict in northern Mali, where the Malian Armed Forces, with the support of Russian mercenaries, seized control of the town from rebel groups. Additionally, a U.N. convoy withdrawing from a rebel stronghold in northern Mali faced challenges, including vehicles hitting six improvised explosive devices and injuring 37 peacekeepers during a 350-kilometer journey.
Kidal is a town and commune located in the desert region of northern Mali, serving as the capital of the Kidal Cercle and the Kidal Region. Situated 285 km northeast of Gao, Kidal covers an area of about 9,910 km2. The town has been a focal point in the ongoing conflict in Mali, with various rebel groups vying for control in the region. The recent events highlight the volatile situation in northern Mali and the challenges faced by peacekeeping forces operating in the area.