Military Coup Rocks Mali

In a stunning turn of events, soldiers stationed in the garrison town of Kati, seemingly seized control of the Malian capital, Bamako. The troops mutinied over the government's inability to properly address the ongoing Tuareg insurgency. Sporadic clashes between rebel forces and those loyal to the government erupted throughout the day, but there seemed little firm opposition to the coup. A spokesman for the rebels, identified as Lt. Amadou Konare, announced the dissolution of the government and declared martial law. The whereabouts of President Amadou Toumani Toure are uncertain.