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[Rafy]

At least 37 people have been killed in northern Mali in a car bomb attack on a military base, officials say.
The incident occurred when a vehicle packed with explosives detonated at a camp housing soldiers and members of rival armed groups in the city of Gao.
Mali's northern desert region has been restive since it was captured by militant Islamists in late 2012.
Despite French military intervention in 2013, the region remains tense with sporadic attacks and kidnappings.
Gao is the main city in northern Mali.

UPDATE:

A source at the UN Mission in Mali (Minusma) is quoted by the AFP news agency as describing the incident as a suicide attack.

The attackers set parts of the camp on fire before taking off.

Source: www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-38663693

 

[CREMSteve]

 

[CHC]

Horrifying. Arguably equally tragic to the event itself is the fact that this is a footnote of news because of the location.... if this was a European or American city this would be the week's headlines.

 

[Pankratous]

Horrifying. Arguably equally tragic to the event itself is the fact that this is a footnote of news because of the location.... if this was a European or American city this would be the week's headlines.

As sad as it is, it's because people 'expect' violence in these countries so it's less of a headline, whereas an attack in Western countries is a genuine headline.

Then you also get too many who simply don't care because it is far away. Media would rather write about something they'll click on. A real shame.

 

[Sinfamy]

Horrifying. Arguably equally tragic to the event itself is the fact that this is a footnote of news because of the location.... if this was a European or American city this would be the week's headlines.

I normally expect at least the second page before someone says this.
Like clockwork still.

 

[GTP_Daverytimes]

I should really read up where the conflict is at now, lost interest in the conflict when France rolled in. Truly tragic.

 

[NoblesseOblige]

I normally expect at least the second page before someone says this.
Like clockwork still.

Are you disagreeing with the statement?

 

[Sinfamy]

Are you disagreeing with the statement?

Of course not, but it implies that blame lies somewhere when I don't think it does.
You can see it right here on GAF as this thread will fade into the abyss with less then 3 pages.
Why, because most of us don't live in or near Mali, nor do we have friends or relatives who do.
There is also no vast presence of on the scene reporters and journalists that could give in depth coverage.

 

[Rafy]

The OP has been updated with more details. BBC has confirmed that it was indeed a suicide bomb attack and that the rest of the attackers set parts of the camp on fire. The soldiers and personnel present were on a UN sanctioned mission to stop and/or limit violence in the area.