The armed groups have been seeking to expand their control since capturing the northern city of Kidal in May. There are also reports that they have overrun military positions in Gao, despite the backing of Russian fighters supporting the Malian armed forces.
The latest offensive comes as the junta in Mali appears increasingly under pressure, with concerns growing over the security of the capital, Bamako, and the nearby military stronghold of Kati. Analyst Beverley Ochieng gives some perspective on the situation in this edition.
