BAMAKO, July 22 (Xinhua) -- Two terrorists were killed during an attack on the Kati military camp on Friday morning, the Malian Armed Forces said in a statement on its official website.
"The Malian Armed Forces vigorously repelled a terrorist attack on the Kati camp," the statement said, adding that the attack which happened at around 5:00 a.m. local time involved two vehicles packed with explosives.
"The situation is under control and the search is underway to flush out the perpetrators and their accomplices," the statement said, citing the chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces.
According to residents reached by Xinhua by telephone, life is gradually going back to normal in the town located 15 km from the Malian capital, Bamako.
Heavy gunfire and explosions were heard early on Friday at the military camp in Kati, according to sources. One military source who requested anonymity told Xinhua earlier that the targetted military camp houses both soldiers and civilians and that "the situation is under control."
Another resident reached by Xinhua by telephone reported seeing helicopters flying over the city. "No doubt they are trying to prevent the attackers from fleeing," the resident said. ■
