Battle of Tabankort (2015)

The Battle of Tabankort took place between July 29 and August 2, 2015, during the Mali War. It involved primarily the Imghad Tuareg Self-Defense Group (GATIA) and the Movement for Azawad (MSA) fighting against the Coalition for the People of Azawad (CPA), which itself was primarily composed of the High Council for the Unity of Azawad (HCUA) and the Arab Movement of Azawad (MAA).

The battle occurred in and around the town of Tabankort in the Gao Region of Mali. The conflict was rooted in the ongoing struggle for control of territory and resources in northern Mali following the 2012 Tuareg rebellion. The GATIA and MSA are largely composed of Tuareg people who support the Malian government and oppose the separatist ambitions of the HCUA and the MAA.

The fighting resulted in significant casualties on both sides. Reports varied, but numerous fighters were killed and wounded. The CPA initially gained ground, capturing Tabankort from the GATIA and MSA. However, pro-government forces eventually retook the town after several days of intense fighting.

The Battle of Tabankort highlighted the complex dynamics of the Malian conflict, involving various armed groups with competing interests. It also demonstrated the fragility of the ceasefire agreements that had been put in place in the region. The battle had a destabilizing effect on the area and contributed to a further deterioration of the humanitarian situation. After the battle, the Malian government and international mediators attempted to broker a lasting peace agreement between the warring factions.