Rebel attacks in northern Mali: Some targets meant as 'diversions', expert says

• The Malian army said Saturday that several northern towns, including Gao and Sévaré, were targeted by rebels.
• The statement came as a rebel group announced a new offensive to capture a town in the country's north.
• Andrew Lebovich, a research fellow at Clingendael's Conflict Research Unit, said some of the targets were intended more as "diversions" than as primary objectives, unlike strategically i