Around 50 soldiers killed in recent fighting in Mali's north

This picture dated July 29, 2013 shows Malian soldiers patrolling in Kidal, northern Mali. By Kenzo Tribouillard (AFP/File)

Dakar (AFP) - Malian Defence Minister Soumeylou Boubeye Maiga said Sunday around 50 soldiers had been killed during recent fighting with Tuareg rebels in the northern desert town of Kidal.

"We have about 50 killed, unfortunately, and 48 injured. We don't know the toll of the other side but we know they also suffered losses," Maiga told the public broadcaster ORTM.